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The purpose was to conduct a structured review and meta-analysis to determine the cumulative effect of bilateral arm training on motor capabilities post stroke. Forty-eight stroke studies were selected from three databases with 25 comparisons qualifying for inclusion in our meta-analysis. We identified and coded four types of bilateral arm interventions with 366 stroke patients. A random effects model using the standardized mean difference technique determined a large and significant effect size (0.734; SE = 0.125), high fail-safe N (532), and medium variability in the studies (I2 = 63%). Moderator variable analysis on the type of bilateral training revealed two large and significant effects: (a) BATRAC (0.842; SE = 0.155) and (b) coupled bilateral and EMG-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (1.142; SE = 0.176). These novel findings provide strong evidence supporting bilateral arm training with the caveat that two coupled protocols, rhythmic alternating movements and active stimulation, are most effective.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Meta-analysis; Stroke rehabilitation; Bilateral movement training; Motor recovery
Research Division:	Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Research Group:	Psychology
Research Field:	Sensory Processes, Perception and Performance
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical Health (Organs, Diseases and Abnormal Conditions)
Objective Field:	Nervous System and Disorders
UTAS Author:	Summers, JJ (Professor Jeffery Summers)
ID Code:	66230
Year Published:	2010
Web of Science® Times Cited:	89
Deposited By:	Psychology
Deposited On:	2011-01-10
Last Modified:	2014-12-05
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