Feasibility and Outcomes of High Intensity Arm Training in Stroke

ImportanceAerobic intensity is well supported in poststroke gait rehabilitation, but its role in upper extremity rehabilitation is unclear.ObjectiveExamine whether aerobic intensity is associated with upper extremity recovery and self-care performance.DesignRetrospective observational cohort study.Participants121 individuals admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital after stroke.InterventionArm therapy targeting increased cardiovascular demand using advanced arm rehabilitation technology and body weight support.OutcomesArm recovery and self-care performance were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity and Section GG Medicare Functional Assessment.ResultsMore than half of participants reached ≥70% heart rate (HR) maximum in at least one session. Achieving ≥70% HR maximum (p = .04) and use of body weight support (p = .02) were each associated with greater improvement in self-care performance.ConclusionsAchieving ≥70% HR maximum during arm training was feasible and associated with greater self-care independence. Strategies to increase cardiovascular demand such as a more challenging body position or the use of body weight support (BWS) may support functional performance in individuals poststroke.