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

Abstract

To assess the feasibility of treating inpatient stroke survivors with active-passive bilateral therapy as a motor priming technique before occupational therapy. 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. 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. We conclude that it is feasible and safe to administer active-passive bilateral therapy in a hospital setting.