Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE@home) for Adults With Chronic Stroke:...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Motor Skill Learning
• Telerehabilitation

Background:

• Intensive motor skill learning therapies improve upper extremity function post-stroke.
• Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy including Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) enhances bimanual coordination and trunk/lower extremity control.
• Home-based delivery (HABIT-ILE@home) via telerehabilitation addresses accessibility and resource barriers of intensive stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the noninferiority of HABIT-ILE@home versus on-site HABIT-ILE.
• Assess the superiority of a 9-week HABIT-ILE@home follow-up program compared to a nonspecific program.
• Provide evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of home-based telerehabilitation for chronic stroke.

Main Methods:

• Two randomized controlled trials involving 48 adults with chronic stroke.
• RCT1: Compares HABIT-ILE@home (delivered by caregivers with remote supervision) to on-site HABIT-ILE (65 hours over 2 weeks).
• RCT2: Compares a 9-week HABIT-ILE@home follow-up to a nonspecific home program (45 hours over 9 weeks). Primary outcome: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA).

Main Results:

• Data collection completed; analysis planned for early 2026.
• Expected submission for publication in spring 2026.
• Study results are pending data analysis.

Conclusions:

• HABIT-ILE@home demonstrates feasibility and efficacy for stroke survivors.
• Noninferiority of HABIT-ILE@home to on-site therapy could increase rehabilitation accessibility.
• Structured follow-up may enhance sustained motor recovery post-intensive intervention.