Contralateral therapy in upper extremity rehabilitation

Evaluation of upper extremity function after an elective surgery with emphasis on the possible effect of contralateral therapy was done in 20 patients. This study was designed to test the postulate that range of motion exercises and work to muscle groups of one upper extremity has a beneficial effect on the analogous muscle groups in an immobilized, post-surgical contralateral extremity. Analysis of results show a small, but consistent, effect on range of motion measurements. However, strength measurements were shown to be markedly increased in the group receiving contralateral therapy to the normal extremity, as compared to the normal control group. Significant indirect training occurs by a cross-over phenomenon. Rehabilitation programs can be individually designed to enhance recovery of specific motor groups by utilizing contralateral therapy and cross-education principles. Further work is now underway to further elucidate specific clinical applications.