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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Investigating the Effect of Different Types of Exercise on Upper Limb Functional Recovery in Patients with Right Hemisphere Damage Based on fNIRS
04:43

Investigating the Effect of Different Types of Exercise on Upper Limb Functional Recovery in Patients with Right Hemisphere Damage Based on fNIRS

Published on: February 9, 2024

Do Leg-Focused Exercises Improve Arm and Hand Function for Individuals With Neurologic Disorders? A Scoping Review.

Katrina S Nietsch1, Lauren E Kinne2, Gloria Willson3

  • 1Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.

Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation
|June 22, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Leg exercises may improve arm function in individuals with neurologic conditions, though benefits are often incidental. Further research is needed to explore this neurorehabilitation approach.

Keywords:
Central pattern generatorsHand functionLeg exerciseLeg trainingNeural couplingNeurologic disordersRecovery of function

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Published on: November 11, 2022

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

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04:43

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Published on: February 9, 2024

Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
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Published on: December 29, 2023

Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study
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Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study

Published on: November 11, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Neurologic conditions often impair motor function, affecting both upper and lower extremities.
  • Current rehabilitation strategies primarily focus on direct training of affected limbs.
  • Activating motor circuits through non-affected limbs presents a potential avenue for neuroplasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a scoping review of existing literature on the efficacy of leg exercises for improving arm function in individuals with neurologic conditions.
  • To identify research gaps and inform future neurorehabilitation strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Searched 5 major databases and gray literature for studies on leg exercises and arm function outcomes in neurologic populations.
  • Included studies involving adults with neurologic conditions, leg-focused exercise, and arm-specific outcomes.
  • Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality.

Main Results:

  • 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving participants with stroke or Parkinson's disease.
  • Leg-focused exercises, ranging from single sessions to 100 sessions, were investigated.
  • Six studies reported statistically significant or clinically relevant improvements in arm function, often as incidental findings.

Conclusions:

  • A significant research gap exists regarding the targeted use of leg training to enhance arm motor circuits in neurorehabilitation.
  • Leg exercises show potential as an incidental but beneficial adjunct therapy for improving upper extremity function.
  • Future research should systematically investigate leg training as a novel neurorehabilitation strategy for individuals with neurologic conditions.