The efficacy of bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing in stroke rehabilitation : clinical and electrophysiological study

Abstract EN

Objective : To study the efficacy of repetitive bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BATRAC) on motor recovery in stroke patients clinically and electrophysiologically.

Methodology : Forty patients with chronic hemiplegia were included in the study.

All patients participated in BATRAC (3 sessions / week) for six weeks.

The upper extremity functional performance was evaluated by the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Performance (FMUEMP) and grip strength.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to elicit MEP to the abductor digiti minimi.

Functional performance and MEP were recorded before and after BATRAC.

Results : Following BATRAC there were improvement in functional performance (FMUEMP and grip strength), decrease in TMS threshold, decrease in the central motor conduction time and increase in MEP amplitude.

These changes were significant (p < 0.01).

Besides, there was a significant positive correlation between pre-rehabilitation MEP amplitudes and the improvement in FMUEMP.

Conclusions : BATRAC for 6 consecutive weeks has been proven effective in improving both functional performance (of the paretic upper extremity) and MEP parameters in chronic stroke patients suggesting that functional improvement might has been secondary to central motor excitability changes.