Best conventional therapy versus modular impairment-oriented training for arm paresis after stroke: a single-blind, multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Background: The study investigated whether passive splinting or active motor training as either individualized best conventional therapy or as standardized impairment-oriented training (IOT) would be superior in promoting motor recovery in subacute stroke patients with mildly or severely paretic arms.

Methods: A total of 148 anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients were randomly assigned to 45 minutes of additional daily arm therapy over 3 to 4 weeks as either (a) passive therapy with inflatable splints or active arm motor therapy as either (b) individualized best conventional therapy (CONV) or (c) standardized IOT, that is Arm BASIS training for severe paresis or Arm Ability training for mild paresis.

Main Outcome Measures: included the following: Fugl-Meyer arm motor score (severely paretic arms) and the TEMPA time scores (mildly affected arms).

REPAS, a summary rating scale for resistance to passive movement: item selection, reliability and validity.

Purpose: To establish: (i) item characteristics and item selection for the REPAS; (ii) internal consistency, inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the final REPAS version and its subtests; (iii) the association between the REPAS and selected other clinical scales of impairment and activity limitation.

Method: Thirty-three neurological patients with central paresis. Two REPAS assessments with a one-week interval by two independent raters.

Amphetamine fails to facilitate motor performance and to enhance motor recovery among stroke patients with mild arm paresis: interim analysis and termination of a double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Purpose: To assess the effects of d-amphetamine on motor facilitation and recovery in stroke patients with mild arm paresis receiving the Arm Ability training.

Methods: Thirty-one stroke patients with mild arm paresis were randomly assigned to either (a.) receiving placebo or (b.

Impairment-oriented training or Bobath therapy for severe arm paresis after stroke: a single-blind, multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To study the effects of augmented exercise therapy time for arm rehabilitation as either Bobath therapy or the impairment-oriented training (Arm BASIS training) in stroke patients with arm severe paresis.

Design: Single blind, multicentre randomized control trial.

Setting: Three inpatient neurorehabilitation centres.