The effects of bilateral arm training on reaching performance and activities of daily living of stroke patients

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine effects of Bilateral Arm Training (BAT) on unilateral and bilateral reaching performance and the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) of stroke patients. [Methods] Fifteen participants received 4 weeks of BAT. Unilateral and bilateral reaching were measured using 3D motion analysis. Performance of and client satisfaction with ADL were assessed by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The amount and quality of use of the affected upper limb were assessed by the Motor Activity Log. [Results] BAT showed statistically significant improvements in the average and peak velocities during reaching performance, and the amount and quality of use of the affected upper limb. There were statistically significant improvements in the performance of and client satisfaction with ADL. However, the result did not show a statistically significant difference in the trajectory ratio during reaching performance. [Conclusion] BAT was significantly effective at improving the velocity of reaching performance and the performance of ADL by stroke patients. In the future, studies should investigate the effects of the duration and intensity of training, and a variety of BAT protocols need to be developed.