EFFECT OF UNILATERAL VERSUS BILATERAL UPPER LIMB TRAINING ON REACHING PATTERN IN STROKE PATIENTS

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the effect of bilateral versus unilateral upper extremity training on improving the reaching pattern in stroke patients. Patients and methods: forty five stroke patients were allocated into three equal groups, (GA): a control, (GB): unilateral and (GC): bilateral groups. The control group received selected physical therapy program for 20 minutes (Passive, active assisted and active free movements for the affected side, neurodevelopmental approach, postural control and balance training, functional training (ADL) and gait training), whereas, the unilateral group received the selected physical therapy program, in addition to designed unilateral upper limb training and the bilateral group received the selected physical therapy program, in addition to designed bilateral upper limb training. The treatment program for the three groups was three times per week for six weeks. In addition to physical therapy program all three groups used virtual reality training as a home routine for 30 minutes. The patients were assessed clinically with the Motor Assessment Scale, Reaching Performance Scale and Kinesiological RMS Electromyographic Activity of selected four muscles "clavicular head of pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, lateral head of triceps and extensor carpi radialis muscle” before and after six weeks of treatment.