Projects per year
Abstract
Objectives: To determine whether functional strength training (FST) improves upper limb recovery more than movement performance therapy (MPT). To identify: (a) neural correlates of response and (b) whether pre-intervention neural characteristics predict response.
Design: Explanatory investigations within a randomised, controlled, observer-blind, and multicentre trial. Randomisation was computer-generated and concealed by an independent facility until baseline measures were completed. Primary time point was outcome, after the 6-week intervention phase. Follow-up was at 6 months after stroke.
Participants: With some voluntary muscle contraction in the paretic upper limb, not full dexterity, when recruited up to 60 days after an anterior cerebral circulation territory stroke.
Interventions: Conventional physical therapy (CPT) plus either MPT or FST for up to 90 min-a-day, 5 days-a-week for 6 weeks. FST was “hands-off” progressive resistive exercise cemented into functional task training. MPT was “hands-on” sensory/facilitation techniques for smooth and accurate movement.
Outcomes: The primary efficacy measure was the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Neural measures: fractional anisotropy (FA) corpus callosum midline; asymmetry of corticospinal tracts FA; and resting motor threshold (RMT) of motor-evoked potentials.
Analysis: Covariance models tested ARAT change from baseline. At outcome: correlation coefficients assessed relationship between change in ARAT and neural measures; an interaction term assessed whether baseline neural characteristics predicted response.
Results: 288 Participants had: mean age of 72.2 (SD 12.5) years and mean ARAT 25.5 (18.2). For 240 participants with ARAT at baseline and outcome the mean change was 9.70 (11.72) for FST + CPT and 7.90 (9.18) for MPT + CPT, which did not differ statistically (p = 0.298). Correlations between ARAT change scores and baseline neural values were between 0.199, p = 0.320 for MPT + CPT RMT (n = 27) and −0.147, p = 0.385 for asymmetry of corticospinal tracts FA (n = 37). Interaction effects between neural values and ARAT change between baseline and outcome were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: There was no significant difference in upper limb improvement between FST and MPT. Baseline neural measures did not correlate with upper limb recovery or predict therapy response.
Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials: ISRCT 19090862, http://www.controlled-trials.com
Original language | English |
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Article number | 733 |
Journal | Frontiers in Neurology |
Volume | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 19 Jan 2018 |
Profiles
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Garry Barton
- Norwich Medical School - Professor
- Population Health - Member
- Health Economics - Member
- Health Services and Primary Care - Member
- Norwich Clinical Trials Unit - Member
Person: Research Group Member, Research Centre Member, Academic, Teaching & Research
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Michael Grey
- School of Health Sciences - Honorary Fellow
- Rehabilitation - Member
Person: Honorary, Research Group Member
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Valerie Pomeroy
- School of Health Sciences - Professor
- Norwich Institute for Healthy Aging - Member
- Lifespan Health - Member
- Rehabilitation - Member
Person: Research Group Member, Research Centre Member, Academic, Teaching & Research
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Clinical Efficacy of Functional Strength Training (FST) for Upper Limb Motor Recovery Early After Stroke: Neural Correlates and Prognostic Indicators
Pomeroy, V., Pomeroy, V., Pomeroy, V., Barton, G., Burridge, J., Hunter, S., Johansen-Berg, H., Lemon, R., Myint, P., Norrie, J., Rothwell, J., Vliet, A., Ward, N., Weir, C. & Wing, A.
National Institute for Health and Care Research
1/04/12 → 31/10/16
Project: Research