Active-passive bilateral therapy as a priming mechanism for individuals in the subacute phase of post-stroke recovery: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the feasibility of treating inpatient stroke survivors with active-passive bilateral therapy as a motor priming technique before occupational therapy.

Design: Single case series with two matched pairs in the subacute post-stroke rehabilitation phase. The test patients received active-passive bilateral therapy plus upper limb motor training. Control patients received only the motor training.

Results: Both Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity scores and Action Research Arm Test scores improved in this small group of test and control patients. The magnitude of improvement was greater in test patients who received active-passive bilateral therapy plus unilateral training.

Conclusions: We conclude that it is feasible and safe to administer active-passive bilateral therapy in a hospital setting.

Figures

FIGURE 1

A person using the Rocker for active-passive bilateral therapy.

FIGURE 2

A, Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity single subject change scores (Post vs. Pre) and (Follow-up vs. Pre) (T, test subject; C, control subject). B, Action Research Arm Test single subject change scores (Post vs. Pre) and (Follow-up vs. Pre) (T, test subject; C, control subject). Follow-up vs. Pre data were not available for T-2 because the participant was residing out of state.