Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective The objective of this work was to evaluate if task‐specific training (TST) preceded by bilateral upper limb motor priming (BUMP) reduces upper limb impairment more than TST preceded by control priming ([CP], sham electrical stimulation) in people with chronic stroke. Methods In th...

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Main Authors: Erin C. King, Jacob M. Schauer, Shyam Prabhakaran, Alexandra Wax, Sebastian Urday, Sangeetha Madhavan, Daniel M. Corcos, Mary Ellen Stoykov
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-01-01
Series:Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.52271
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author Erin C. King
Jacob M. Schauer
Shyam Prabhakaran
Alexandra Wax
Sebastian Urday
Sangeetha Madhavan
Daniel M. Corcos
Mary Ellen Stoykov
author_facet Erin C. King
Jacob M. Schauer
Shyam Prabhakaran
Alexandra Wax
Sebastian Urday
Sangeetha Madhavan
Daniel M. Corcos
Mary Ellen Stoykov
author_sort Erin C. King
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objective The objective of this work was to evaluate if task‐specific training (TST) preceded by bilateral upper limb motor priming (BUMP) reduces upper limb impairment more than TST preceded by control priming ([CP], sham electrical stimulation) in people with chronic stroke. Methods In this single‐blind, randomized controlled trial, 76 adults with moderate to severe upper limb hemiparesis ≥6 months post‐stroke were stratified by baseline impairment and randomized to receive either BUMP or CP prior to receiving the same TST protocol. Participants completed 30 h of treatment in 15 days over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in Fugl‐Meyer upper extremity (FMUE) from baseline to 8‐week follow‐up. We also report clinically meaningful response rates defined as a change in FMUE score of 6 points or greater. Results In response to treatment, both groups improved to a significant extent at follow‐up, exceeding the FMUE minimum clinically important difference. Those in BUMP and CP saw a mean change of 5.68 (SE 0.76, p < 0.001) and 5.87 (SE 0.76, p < 0.001) respectively. There was no significant difference between treatment arms (mean difference of −0.20 (95% CI = [−2.37, 1.97], SE = 1.08, p = 0.86)). A response of ≥6 points was observed in 46% in BUMP and 50% in CP. Interpretation There was no beneficial effect of BUMP. The magnitude of change seen in both groups reflects the largest improvement achieved with just 22.5 h of TST in this population, matching or out‐performing more invasive, time‐intensive, and costly interventions proposed in recent years.
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spelling doaj-art-93aea00f57e647f6a1ccc6ee3f00f1142025-01-21T05:41:42ZengWileyAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology2328-95032025-01-0112119220210.1002/acn3.52271Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trialErin C. King0Jacob M. Schauer1Shyam Prabhakaran2Alexandra Wax3Sebastian Urday4Sangeetha Madhavan5Daniel M. Corcos6Mary Ellen Stoykov7Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USADivision of Biostatistics, Department of Preventative Medicine Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USADepartment of Neurology University of Chicago Chicago Illinois USAShirley Ryan Ability Lab Chicago Illinois USADivision of Neurology Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USADepartment of Physical Therapy University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Illinois USADepartment of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USAShirley Ryan Ability Lab Chicago Illinois USAAbstract Objective The objective of this work was to evaluate if task‐specific training (TST) preceded by bilateral upper limb motor priming (BUMP) reduces upper limb impairment more than TST preceded by control priming ([CP], sham electrical stimulation) in people with chronic stroke. Methods In this single‐blind, randomized controlled trial, 76 adults with moderate to severe upper limb hemiparesis ≥6 months post‐stroke were stratified by baseline impairment and randomized to receive either BUMP or CP prior to receiving the same TST protocol. Participants completed 30 h of treatment in 15 days over 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in Fugl‐Meyer upper extremity (FMUE) from baseline to 8‐week follow‐up. We also report clinically meaningful response rates defined as a change in FMUE score of 6 points or greater. Results In response to treatment, both groups improved to a significant extent at follow‐up, exceeding the FMUE minimum clinically important difference. Those in BUMP and CP saw a mean change of 5.68 (SE 0.76, p < 0.001) and 5.87 (SE 0.76, p < 0.001) respectively. There was no significant difference between treatment arms (mean difference of −0.20 (95% CI = [−2.37, 1.97], SE = 1.08, p = 0.86)). A response of ≥6 points was observed in 46% in BUMP and 50% in CP. Interpretation There was no beneficial effect of BUMP. The magnitude of change seen in both groups reflects the largest improvement achieved with just 22.5 h of TST in this population, matching or out‐performing more invasive, time‐intensive, and costly interventions proposed in recent years.https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.52271
spellingShingle Erin C. King
Jacob M. Schauer
Shyam Prabhakaran
Alexandra Wax
Sebastian Urday
Sangeetha Madhavan
Daniel M. Corcos
Mary Ellen Stoykov
Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial
Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology
title Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial
title_full Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial
title_fullStr Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial
title_full_unstemmed Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial
title_short Priming and task‐specific training for arm weakness post stroke: A randomized controlled trial
title_sort priming and task specific training for arm weakness post stroke a randomized controlled trial
url https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.52271
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