http://nnr.sagepub.com/content/30/6/551?etoc
- Hyeshin Park, PhD1⇑
- Sujin Kim, MS1
- Carolee J. Winstein, PhD1
- James Gordon, EdD1
- Nicolas Schweighofer, PhD1
- Hyeshin Park, PhD, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, 1540 E Alcazar St, CHP G30, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006, USA. Email: hyeshinp@usc.edu
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that multiple
sessions of reach training lead to long-term improvements in movement
time and smoothness
in individuals post-stroke. Yet such long-term
training regimens are often difficult to implement in actual clinical
settings.
In this study, we evaluated the long-term and
generalization effects of short-duration and intensive reach training in
16
individuals with chronic stroke and mild to
moderate impairments. Participants performed 2 sessions of unassisted
intensive
reach training, with 600 movements per session, and
with display of performance-based feedback after each movement. The
participants’
trunks were restrained with a belt to avoid
compensatory movements. Training resulted in significant and durable (1
month)
improvements in movement time (20.4% on average)
and movement smoothness (22.7% on average). The largest improvements
occurred
in individuals with the largest initial motor
impairments. In addition, training induced generalization to nontrained
targets,
which persisted in 1-day and in 1-month retention
tests. Finally, there was a significant improvement in the Box and Block
test from baseline to 1-month retention test (23%
on average). Thus, short-duration and intensive reach training can lead
to generalized and durable benefits in individuals
with chronic stroke and mild to moderate impairments.
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