Article

Repetitive training of simple upper limb movements is effective in
stroke rehabilitation. For the repetitive training of complex movements, however,
results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine whether
repetitive training of complex upper limb movements, focussing on strength and
velocity as shaping elements, is effective in stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN: Longitudinal study, A-B-A design. PATIENTS: Fifteen first-ever stroke patients.
METHODS: Phases (A): "house-typical" therapy and repetitive training of: (i)
grasping and transport movements; and (ii) sawing movements of the affected arm
with shaping elements and focussing on velocity over 10 min each, twice daily, 5
days per week. Phase B: "house-typical" occupational and physiotherapy. Each
phase lasted 3 weeks. RESULTS: Patients experienced continuous functional
improvement. Voluntary forces improved significantly during the first training
phase. Sawing movement improved significantly only during phases A. The grasping
and transport movement improved considerably during phase A with a trend of
further improvement during the other phases. The transported weight clearly
increases only during phases A. CONCLUSION: Repetitive training of complex
movements results in motor improvement in stroke patients without relevant
transfer to functional improvement if strength and velocity are to be enhanced as
shaping elements.

Langue : ANGLAIS