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Repetitive bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing improves motor function in chronic hemiparetic
J Whitall1, S McCombe Waller, K H Silver
1Departments of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore, USA. jwhitall@som.umaryland.edu
Stroke
|October 7, 2000
Summary
Bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BATRAC) significantly improved motor function and daily arm use in stroke survivors. These gains in hemiparetic arm function were sustained for at least 8 weeks post-training.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Stroke recovery
- Motor control
Background:
- Chronic upper extremity hemiparesis is a significant cause of disability post-stroke.
- Limited effective treatments exist for long-term motor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BATRAC) for improving hemiparetic arm function.
- To assess the durability of treatment effects after stroke.
Main Methods:
- A single-group pilot study involving 14 chronic hemiparetic stroke patients.
- Six weeks of BATRAC, 3 times per week, using a custom arm training machine.
- Outcome assessments conducted immediately post-training and at 2 months follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in upper extremity motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer scale) and functional performance (Wolf Motor Function Test).
- Increased daily use of the hemiparetic arm (University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke).
- Improvements in isometric strength and active/passive range of motion for the paretic arm.
Conclusions:
- Six weeks of BATRAC effectively enhances motor performance, strength, and range of motion in the paretic upper extremity.
- The observed functional benefits of BATRAC are largely sustained 8 weeks after training cessation.