The long-term outcome of arm function after stroke: results of a follow-up study

Purpose: To assess the long-term motor and functional recovery of arm function after stroke. Design: Cohort study. Subjects: Fifty-four patients with a first stroke, who underwent inpatient rehabilitation, were measured early after stroke, after 16 weeks and after 4 years. Measures: Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FM, upper extremity), Action Research Arm Test (ARA), Barthel Index, Arm Function Questionnaire, shoulder pain and range of motion, sensory function, Ashworth Scale and a perceived problem score. Results: Although most of the improvement occurred during the first 16 weeks after stroke, improvement in the FM score continued after 16 weeks in 10 patients. In 13 patients the recovery of arm function only started after 16 weeks. After 4 years a fair to good recovery of arm motor function (FM score 20) was found in 31 patients. Twenty-seven patients had fair to good functional abilities of the hemiplegic arm (ARA 25). Submaximal ARA scores for the unaffected arm were found in 11 patients. Barthel scores 60 were found in 52 patients. Serious shoulder pain persisted in 11 patients. Intact sensory function was found in only 14 patients. It was associated with good motor recovery (FM score 35 in 11 patients). Loss of arm function was perceived as a major problem by 36 patients. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the recovery of arm function after stroke over a period of 4 years. It is encouraging to note that even after 16 weeks improvement still occurred in some patients. However, considerable long-term loss of arm function, associated disability and perceived problems were found. There is an obvious need to develop effective treatment methods for hemiplegic arm function.     

环状加压结合PNF技术对脑卒中急性期偏瘫上肢恢复的有效性

目的:研究环状加压结合本体感觉神经肌肉促进技术(PNF)对脑卒中急性期阶段偏瘫上肢恢复的影响。方法:急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者40例,随机分为加强组和对照组各20例,均按脑血管病常规处理,并接受PNF治疗。加强组在PNF治疗的同时进行环状加压治疗。均于治疗前、治疗3及6周、随访6及12个月时对2组患者进行Fugl-Meyer(FMA),Action Research Arm和Barthel评分评定患侧上肢功能。结果:治疗后的各时间点,以上各项指标评分与治疗前比较2组均有明显提高;加强组在随访的6~12个月,FMA评分均明显高于对照组;2组中病情程度严重的患者,其各项指标评分对照组均明显低于加强组(均P0.05,0.01)。结论:环状加压结合PNF对脑卒中急性期患者偏瘫上肢的运动功能恢复有显著促进作用,Fugl-Meyer评分在1年后仍持续上升。提示脑卒中早期给予最佳干预措施有潜在的益处。     

A study of constraint-induced movement therapy in subacute stroke patients in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the beneficial effect of constraint-induced movement therapy in improving the function of hemiplegic upper extremity in the early subacute stroke patients.DESIGN: A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled study comparing the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy or control treatment at post intervention and 12 weeks follow-up.SUBJECTS: The inclusion criteria were 2-16 weeks after stroke, hemiparesis of the affected limb, minimal function of > or =20 degrees wrist extension and > or =10 degrees extension of all digits and Mini-Mental State Examination score > or =17.INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group underwent a programme of 10 days upper extremity training (4 hours per day) with the unaffected limb being restrained ina shoulder sling and the control group received an equivalent duration of conventional rehabilitation therapy.MAIN MEASURES: Functional level for hemiparetic upper extremity, Motor Activity Log, Action Research Arm Test and modified Barthel Index.RESULTS: There were 23 and 20 subjects respectively in the constraint-induced movement therapy and control groups. Significant improvements were seen at post intervention and 12 weeks after constraint-induced movement therapy in functional level for hemiparetic upper extremity (P= 0.001), and in the ;amount of use' (P= 0.001) and ;how well' (P= 0.021) subscales of the Motor Activity Log. The total Action Research Arm Test score, grasp (P= 0.004), grip (P= 0.004), pinch (P= 0.032) and gross (P= 0.006) components showed significant improvement over the control group at post intervention. The grip component (P=0.019) and the total Action Research Arm Test score (P= 0.009) were superior to the control group at 12 weeks.CONCLUSION: Significant improvement in hand function could be achieved with constraint-induced movement therapy in subacute stroke patients, which was maintained up to 12 week follow-up.     

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. SUBJECTS: Sixty-two anterior circulation ischaemic stroke patients. INTERVENTIONS: Random assignment to three group: (A) no augmented exercise therapy time, (B) augmented exercise therapy time as Bobath therapy and (C) augmented exercise therapy time as Arm BASIS training. MAIN MEASURES: Main outcome measure: Fugl-Meyer arm motor score. Secondary measure: Action Research Arm Test (ARA). Ancillary measures: Fugl-Meyer arm sensation and joint motion/pain scores and the Ashworth Scale (elbow flexors). RESULTS: An overall effect of augmented exercise therapy time on Fugl-Meyer scores after four weeks was not corroborated (mean and 95% confidence interval (CI) of change scores: no augmented exercise therapy time (n=20) 8.8, 5.2-12.3; augmented exercise therapy time (n=40) 9.9, 6.8-13.9; p = 0.2657). The group who received the augmented exercise therapy time as Arm BASIS training (n=20) had, however, higher gains than the group receiving the augmented exercise therapy time as Bobath therapy (n=20) (mean and 95% CI of change scores: Bobath 7.2, 2.6-11.8; BASIS 12.6, 8.4-16.8; p = 0.0432). Passive joint motion/pain deteriorated less in the group who received BASIS training (mean and 95% CI of change scores: Bobath -3.2, -5.2 to -1.1; BASIS 0.1, -1.8-2.0; p = 0.0090). ARA, Fugl-Meyer arm sensation, and Ashworth Scale scores were not differentially affected. CONCLUSIONS: The augmented exercise therapy time as Arm BASIS training enhanced selective motor control. Type of training was more relevant for recovery of motor control than therapeutic time spent.     

运动想象联合改良强制性运动疗法对脑卒中患者上肢运动功能的影响

目的:探讨运动想象疗法联合改良强制性运动疗法对脑卒中患者上肢运动功能的影响.方法:将首发脑卒中患者40例随机分为研究组和对照组,每组各20例.对所有患者进行常规康复训练和改良强制性运动疗法,前者2次/d,30min/次;后者1次/d,1h/次,均5d/周,共4周.研究组患者在此基础上,另外进行4周的运动想象疗法,20m...     

Contracture preventive positioning of the hemiplegic arm in subacute stroke patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a contracture preventive positioning procedure for the hemiplegic arm in subacute stroke patients in addition to conventional physio- and occupational therapy. DESIGN: A single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient neurological units from three rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: Nineteen subacute stroke patients (minus two drop-outs) with a severe motor deficit of the arm. INTERVENTIONS: All subjects underwent conventional rehabilitation care. Nine subjects additionally received a positioning procedure for two 30-min sessions a day, five days a week, for five weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Passive range of motion of five arm movements using a hydrogoniometer and resistance to passive movement at the elbow using the Ashworth Scale. Secondary outcome measures were pain at the end range of passive motions, the arm section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Barthel Index scores for ADL-independence. Outcome measures were taken after five weeks and additional measurements after 10 weeks by two assessors blinded to group allocation. RESULTS: Comparison of the experimental (n = 9) with the control subjects (n = 8) after five weeks showed that additional positioning significantly slowed down development of shoulder abduction contracture (P = 0.042, -5.3 degrees versus -23 degrees). No other differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a contracture preventive positioning procedure for the hemiplegic arm slowed down the development of shoulder abduction contracture. Positioning did not show significant additional value on other outcome measures. Since the sample size was small, results of this study need future verification.     

双侧上肢经皮穴位电刺激对亚急性脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能的效果

目的 探讨镜像疗法基础上行双侧上肢经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)对亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能恢复的影响。方法 2017年9月至2019年10月,48例亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为对照组(n = 24)和观察组(n = 24)。所有患者均给予常规康复和镜像疗法,观察组行双侧上肢TEAS,对照组行假刺激,共4周。治疗前后采用Fugl-Meyer评定量表上肢部分(FMA-UE)、上肢动作研究量表(ARAT)、Wolf运动功能测试(WMFT)和改良Barthel指数(MBI)进行评定。结果 治疗后,两组FMA-UE、ARAT、WMFT和MBI评分均显著改善(|t| > 11.870, P < 0.001),观察组各项评分均高于对照组(|t| > 2.678, P < 0.05)。结论 镜像疗法基础上行双侧上肢TEAS可进一步改善亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能,提高患者日常生活活动能力。     

经颅直流电刺激结合感觉功能训练对脑卒中后感觉障碍的疗效观察

目的:探讨经颅直流电刺激(tDCS)结合感觉功能训练对脑卒中后感觉障碍的影响。方法:将42例脑卒中偏瘫感觉障碍患者随机分为观察组和对照组各21例。2组患者均给与常规药物治疗及偏瘫的常规运动治疗,同时针对感觉障碍进行感觉功能训练,观察组在此基础上增加tDCS治疗,共治疗4周。在治疗前后,分别采用FuglMeyer评测法(FMA)评定患者偏瘫肢体的运动功能和感觉功能、采用改良Barthel指数(MBI)评定日常生活活动(ADL)能力。结果:经4周治疗后,2组患者偏瘫侧肢体感觉功能评分、偏瘫上肢运动功能评分、ADL评分治疗后均较治疗前有显著提高(均P0.05),观察组治疗后各项评分均更高于对照组(均P0.05)。结论:tDCS结合感觉功能训练可改善脑卒中恢复期患者偏瘫肢体的本体感觉功能,改善偏瘫上肢运动功能,进而提高患者的日常生活活动能力。     

Shoulder pain and dysfunction in hemiplegia: effects of functional electrical stimulation

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on subluxation and shoulder pain in hemiplegic patients. DESIGN: Controlled study of 24 months' duration beginning in the first month after onset of stroke. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: One hundred twenty hemiplegic patients with both subluxed and painful shoulder were followed for rehabilitation before and after discharge between 1989 and 1993. All subjects received conventional rehabilitation based on the Bobath concept. In addition, patients were alternately assigned to a control group or to receive additional FES for 5 weeks on muscles surrounding their subluxed and painful shoulder. MAIN MEASURES: Clinical examinations, including range of motion, pain assessment, and x-rays, were performed at the start of the study, between the second and fourth weeks after onset of stroke, and subsequently at 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: The FES group showed significantly more improvement than the control group in both pain relief (80.7% vs. 55.1%, p<.01) and reduction of subluxation (78.9% vs. 58.6%, p<.05). Furthermore, recovery of arm motion appeared to be significantly improved in the FES group (77.1% vs. 60.3% in the control group, p<.01). CONCLUSION: The FES program was significantly effective in reducing the severity of subluxation and pain and possibly may have facilitated recovery of the shoulder function in hemiplegic patients.     

等速肌力训练对偏瘫患者上肢运动功能恢复的影响

目的:研究等速肌力训练结合偏瘫肢体综合运动疗法对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能恢复的影响。方法:选择恢复期脑卒中偏瘫患者40例,随机分为观察组和对照组各20例。对照组接受常规偏瘫肢体综合运动疗法、作业治疗、ADL训练以及传统物理因子治疗等对症治疗;观察组在此基础上另外配合偏瘫上肢等速肌力训练。干预前后分别使用BIODEX system-3等速肌力测试系统检测肩屈伸生物力学指标,Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表(FMA)评分上肢部分,改良Ashworth痉挛量表评分,NRS数字疼痛量表(NRS)评分来评定患侧上肢的运动功能、肌张力及疼痛。结果:经过3周治疗,2组患者肩屈伸生物力学指标、FMA上肢运动功能评分、NRS疼痛评分均较前有显著改善,且观察组优于对照组(P0.05);2组患者肌张力均较前改善,但治疗前后差异无统计学意义。结论:等速肌力训练可增强脑卒中偏瘫患者肩关节屈伸肌力,且不会加剧肌肉痉挛和肩关节疼痛,有效促进脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能的改善。     

Association between impairments, self-care ability and social activities 1 year after stroke

Purpose: To explore how motor and cognitive impairments relate to physical activities of daily living (PADL) and social activities after stroke. Method: The data related to 65 patients (mean age 74.4 years, 43% females), assessed 1 year after stroke by means of the Sodring Motor Evaluation of Stroke patients and the Assessment of Stroke and other Brain damage instruments. The self-care and social activities scales applied were the Barthel ADL Index and the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI). The association between impairment variables on the one hand and PADL and FAI scores on the other was estimated using Kendall rank correlations. Results: Arm motor function correlated most strongly with the Barthel score (tau=0.76), and visuospatial function came second (tau=0.58). Factor analysis of the FAI produced three subscales: a 'domestic' factor most strongly related to arm motor function (tau=0.49); 'outdoor' related to visuospatial ability (tau=0.48); and 'hobby' which had no significant correlates. Conclusion: In the chronic phase of stroke, self-care and involvement in social activities relate most strongly to arm motor function and visuospatial ability. Outdoor activities depend mainly on visuospatial function.     

Efficacy of modified constraint-induced movement therapy in chronic stroke: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of a modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) protocol for patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Multiple-baseline, pre-post, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen patients who experienced stroke more than 1 year before study entry and who had upper-limb hemiparesis and learned nonuse. INTERVENTION: Seven patients participated in structured therapy sessions emphasizing more affected arm use in valued activities, 3 times a week for 10 weeks. Their less affected arms were also restrained 5d/wk for 5 hours (mCIMT). Four patients received regular therapy with similar contact time to mCIMT. Six patients received no therapy (control). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery (FMA), Action Research Arm (ARA) Test, and Motor Activity Log (MAL). RESULTS: The mCIMT patients exhibited greater motor changes on the FMA and ARA (18.4, 11.4) than regular therapy (6.0, 7.1) or control (-2.9, -4.5). Statistical analyses showed significant differences in motor improvement on the FMA (F(2,12)=11.2, P=.002) and the ARA (F(2,12)=14.0, P=.001). Post hoc analyses showed that, when pretreatment motor differences are controlled, mCIMT resulted in substantially higher posttreatment FMA and ARA scores. Amount and quality of arm use, measured by the MAL, improved only in mCIMT patients. CONCLUSIONS: mCIMT may be an efficacious method of improving function and use of the more affected arms of chronic stroke patients. Findings further affirm that repeated, task-specific practice is critical to reacquisition of function, whereas practice schedule intensity is less critical.     

揿针联合站立数字作业治疗对卒中后肩痛的临床研究

目的：观察揿针联合站立数字作业治疗（OT）对卒中后肩痛的疗效。方法：将64例卒中后肩痛患者随机分为对照组和观察组各32例,均进行为期4周、每周5d的常规治疗;对照组在常规治疗基础上进行揿针治疗,主穴取患侧肩贞、臑俞、天宗、秉风、曲垣、肩外俞、肩中俞,配穴取合谷、中渚、后溪,留针4h后取下,1次/d;观察组在对照组的基础上增加站立数字OT训练,20 min/次,1次/d。在治疗前、治疗4周后均采用视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分、简化Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定表上肢部分（FMA-UE）及改良Barthel指数（MBI）分别评定肩痛程度、上肢运动功能及日常生活能力。结果：与治疗前相比,治疗4周后2组的VAS评分均显著降低、FMA-UE和MBI评分均显著提高（均P＜0.05）;与对照组相比,观察组治疗4周后的VAS评分显著降低、FMA-UE和MBI评分均显著提高（均P＜0.05）。结论：揿针联合站立数字OT训练可有效减轻卒中后肩痛患者的肩部疼痛、改善上肢运动功能并提高日常生活能力。     

Poststroke shoulder pain: a prospective study of the association and risk factors in 152 patients from a consecutive cohort of 205 patients presenting with stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shoulder pain is known to retard rehabilitation after stroke. Its causes and prognosis are uncertain. This study describes the incidence of poststroke shoulder pain prospectively, in an unselected stroke population in the first 6 months after stroke and identifies risk factors for developing pain. METHODS: 297 patients with possible stroke were screened and stroke diagnosed in 205 cases. The 152 patients entered the study of which 123 patients were assessed up to 6 months. This cohort, with a mean age of 70.6 years, was examined at 2 weeks, 2, 4, and 6 months. A history of shoulder pain, Barthel score, anxiety and depression score were recorded. Full neurological and rheumatological examination was undertaken, using the contralateral side as a control. Pain outcome and stroke outcome was recorded at subsequent visits. RESULTS: 52 (40%) patients developed shoulder pain on the same side of their stroke. There was a strong association between pain and abnormal shoulder joint examination, ipsilateral sensory abnormalities and arm weakness. Shoulder pain had resolved or improved at 6 months in 41 (80%) of the patients with standard current treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder pain after stroke occurred in 40% of 123 patients surviving, consenting and not too unwell to participate. This included 52 patients of an original cohort of 205 patients presenting with stroke. Eighty percent of patients made a good recovery with standard treatment Patients with sensory and or motor deficits represent at risk sub-groups.     

肌内效贴结合肩部强化训练对脑卒中后偏瘫痉挛期患者肩痛的影响

目的:观察肌内效贴结合肩部强化训练对脑卒中后偏瘫痉挛期患者肩痛的影响。方法:70例脑卒中后偏瘫痉挛期肩痛患者随机分为观察组和对照组各35例。对照组给予常规治疗加肩部强化训练,观察组在此基础上辅以肌内效贴治疗。治疗前、治疗4周后分别采用视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评定患侧肩痛,Fugl-Meyer运动评分量表中上肢部分(FMA)评定上肢运动功能和改良Barthel指数(MBI)评定日常生活活动(ADL)能力。结果:治疗4周后,2组患者VAS评分较治疗前显著降低(均P0.01),且观察组更低于对照组(P0.01);2组患者FMA和MBI均显著高于治疗前(均P0.01),且观察组更高于对照组(均P0.05)。结论:肌内效贴结合肩部强化训练能有效减轻脑卒中偏瘫痉挛期患者的肩痛,提高上肢运动功能和ADL能力。     

The effects of modified constraint-induced therapy combined with mental practice on patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) combined with mental practice (MP) on patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were 26 patients with chronic stroke. [Methods] Patients were randomly assigned to the mCIMT + MP group or the MP group. All subjects were administered mCIT consisting of (1) therapy emphasizing affected arm use in functional activities 5 days/week for 6 weeks and (2) 4 hours of restraint of the less affected arm 5 days/week. The mCIT + MP subjects received 30-minute MP sessions provided directly after therapy sessions. To compare the two groups, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after stroke (FM), and Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvement in ARAT, FM, and K-MBI after the interventions. Also, there were significant difference in ARAT, FM, and K-MBI between the two groups. [Conclusion] mCIT remains a promising intervention. However, its efficacy appears to be enhanced by use of MP after mCIT clinical sessions.Key words: Mental practice, Motor imagery, Stroke     

功能性电刺激对中风偏瘫患者肩关节半脱位和上臂功能恢复的影响

对32例中风软瘫期继发肩关节半脱位患者随机分为对照组和实验组各16例，以评价功能性电刺激（FES）疗法对肩关节半脱位和上臂功能的作用效果。2组接受常规物理治疗后，实验组再接受2个疗程的FES治疗。结果显示实验组肌张力的增加、上臂功能的恢复及肩关节半脱位缓解程度较对照组有显著性差异。表明FES能有效地减轻肩关节半脱位和促进上臂功能的恢复。     

Does the use of a constraint mitten to encourage use of the hemiplegic upper limb improve arm function in adults with subacute stroke?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a constraint mitten, worn on the unaffected upper limb, on the arm and hand function of participants with hemiplegia. To estimate the sample size for a future trial. DESIGN: An A-B-A design. SETTING: Inpatient, outpatient and domiciliary setting. SUBJECTS: Ten participants with mild to moderate residual upper limb hemiparesis, between 1 and 12 months post stroke. INTERVENTION: Following a two-week baseline period, 10 participants were advised to wear the constraint mitten on the unaffected upper limb for 9 waking hours/day for two weeks to encourage use of the hemiplegic arm. Existing levels of therapy continued during the whole study. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the Action Research Arm Test. At the end of the intervention phase participants completed a questionnaire. Participants also recorded their daily use of the constraint mitten during the intervention phase. RESULTS: A mean improvement in the Action Research Arm Test score of 4.0 points (95% confidence interval 1.7 to 6.2; P=00.016) was found during the intervention phase after correcting for background recovery. Mean compliance was 6.7 hours/day (74%), 90% of participants were positive about the intervention and would recommend the treatment to other stroke survivors, although 50% were relieved to stop the mitten-wearing phase. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a constraint mitten in upper limb stroke rehabilitation may be a useful adjunct to enhance functional recovery with minimal additional resources. The positive findings from this preliminary study warrant a larger randomized controlled trial of 200 participants in total.     

Mental practice combined with physical practice for upper-limb motor deficit in subacute stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This case report describes a patient with upper-limb hemiparesis (ULH) who received a program combining physical therapy for the affected side with mental practice. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 56-year-old man with stable motor deficits, including ULH, on his dominant side resulting from a right parietal infarct that occurred 5 months previously. He received physical therapy for an hour 3 times a week for 6 weeks. In addition, 2 times a week the patient listened to an audiotape instructing him to imagine himself functionally using the affected limb. The patient also listened to the audiotape at home 2 times a week. Pretreatment and posttreatment measures were the upper-extremity scale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Impairment (Fugl-Meyer Scale), the Action Research Arm Test (ARA), and the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM). OUTCOMES: The patient exhibited reduction in impairment (Fugl-Meyer Scale) and improvement in arm function, as measured by the ARA and STREAM. DISCUSSION: Mental practice may complement physical therapy to improve motor function after stroke.     

Hand dominance and side of stroke affect rehabilitation in chronic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To examine the difference between upper extremity deficits in subjects with left versus right hemispheric lesions at baseline and after bilateral arm training. DESIGN: A one-way ANOVA was used to detect group differences and a least square means analysis used to determine significance in pre-to-post scores for each group. SETTING: Testing was in the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Department Research Laboratory, University of Maryland, Baltimore. Training was at the Senior Exercise Rehabilitation Center in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Baltimore. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two (11 left hemispheric lesion, 11 right hemispheric lesion) right-handed subjects with chronic stroke. INTERVENTIONS: A six-week nonprogressive repetitive bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BATRAC). MAIN MEASURES: Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Test, Wolf Motor Arm Test, University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke (UMAQS), isometric strength and active and passive range of motion for both sides. RESULTS: No statistical differences were seen at baseline between groups in this sample. Both groups demonstrated improvement after BATRAC in Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Test (change scores of those with left lesions = 5.5; right lesions = 3.6) and UMAQS (change scores of those with left lesions = 5 and right lesions = 2.9). Additionally, patients with left hemispheric lesions but not right lesions made improvements in the Wolf Motor Arm Test (time and weight), in strength measures of paretic elbow flexion, shoulder extension, shoulder abduction and nonparetic wrist flexion, wrist extension and shoulder abduction. CONCLUSIONS: There were no baseline motor function differences between those with left and right hemispheric lesions in this sample. There was a clear training response advantage for patients with left hemispheric lesions after completing six weeks of bilateral arm training. As a result, treatment approaches for upper extremity hemiparesis may need to be more specifically selected based on side of stroke.