Effectiveness of Bilateral Arm Training on Upper Limb Functional Mobility in Stroke Survivors

Poor upper limb use resulting from stroke often negatively affects independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Furthermore, impairments in motor control and coordination can hinder rehabilitation efforts to recover upper extremity functional mobility after a stroke; hence, the use of bilateral arm training (BAT) may aid in this recovery. BAT aids recovery by promoting interhemispheric communication, decreasing non-use, and promoting symmetry during movement.

Our purpose was to investigate the efficacy of BAT for upper extremity functional mobility in stroke survivors.

Twenty-six stroke survivors were sampled using a convenience sampling method in an experimental pre-post design. Participants were divided into two groups (A and B). Participants in Group A engaged in conventional exercise, while those in Group B engaged in BAT. Each group performed four training sessions per week for four weeks; both groups were assessed for upper extremity function using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).

Both Group A and Group B showed significant improvement in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and ARAT scores after treatment. However, Group B demonstrated greater improvement than Group A, with highly significant results (p<0.0001).

Overall, both interventions resulted in improved functional mobility of the upper limbs in stroke survivors. However, participants receiving BAT experienced greater improvement than those receiving conventional exercises in both motor recovery and functional performance of their arms. Thus, the intervention provided to Group B (BAT) was determined to be more effective than the intervention provided to Group A (conventional exercises) in improving upper limb function during stroke rehabilitation.