Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Application of Bedside Lower Extremity Rehabilitation Robots in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Published on: November 28, 2025
Long-term rehabilitation for chronic stroke arm movements: a randomized controlled trial
James H Cauraugh1, Sagar K Naik, Neha Lodha
1Applied Physiology and Kinesiology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. jcaura@hhp.ufl.edu
Objective:
We investigated the effect of long-term practice on motor improvements in chronic stroke patients.
Design:
Randomized parallel group controlled study.
Setting:
Motor Behavior Laboratory, University of Florida.
Subjects:
Eighteen individuals who experienced a stroke more than nine months prior to enrolling.
Interventions:
The treatment interventions were bilateral arm movements coupled with active neuromuscular stimulation on the impaired arm for both practice duration groups. The short-term group received one treatment protocol, whereas, over 16 months, the long-term practice group completed 10 treatment protocols. All protocol sessions were 6 hours long (90 minutes 1 day/week/4 weeks) and were separated by 22 days.
Main Outcome Measures:
Repeated data collection on three primary outcome measures (i.e. Box and Block test, fractionated reaction times, and sustained force production) evaluated motor capabilities across rehabilitation times.
Results:
Mixed design ANOVAs (Group × Retention Test: 2 × 4; Group × Retention Test × Arm Condition: 2 × 4 × 2) revealed improved motor capabilities for the long-term practice duration group on each primary measure. At the 16-month delayed retention test, when compared to the short-term group, the long-term group demonstrated: (a) more blocks moved (43 v 32), (b) faster premotor reaction times (158 v 208 ms), and (c) higher force production (75 v 45 N).
Conclusion:
Sixty hours of rehabilitation over 16 months provided by various bilateral arm movements and coupled active stimulation improved motor capabilities in chronic stroke.
