Arm-hand Boost Program During Inpatient Rehabilitation After Stroke

Arm-hand Boost Program During Inpatient Rehabilitation After Stroke: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

A pilot cross-over RCT including participants with sub-acute stroke is conducted in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. The experimental group (EG) receives an arm-hand boost program on top of their usual care program. The control group (CG) receives a dose-matched program of strengthening exercises for the lower limbs and general reconditioning. After 4 weeks, a cross-over is performed. Before, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks of additional therapy, different clinical outcome measures for the upper limb are administered.

Inclusion Criteria:

• first stroke, as defined by WHO,
• minimal stay of 4 weeks in inpatient setting at study start
• minimally 18 years old
• being able to sit independently (trunk control test, item 3 = 25),
• motor impairment in the upper limb (Fugl-Meyer assessment, stage 2 (synergies): 8-17p, or stage 2: <8p combined witht stage 5 (hand): >6p
• sufficient cooperation to perform intervention and evaluations

Exclusion Criteria:

• musculoskeletal and/or other neurological impairments with permanent damage that may hinder the study
• subdural hematoma, tumor, encephalitis, trauma, or other that lead to similar symptoms as stroke
• severe communication, cognitive or language impairments that hinder the investigations
• no written informed consent