Effects on motor function, activity and participation of adults with chronic stroke following two weeks of HABIT-ILE (Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities)

Therapy for chronic stroke is conventionally directed towards new movement strategy to accomplish activities of daily living with remaining capacities. However, motor recuperation could remain possible with a therapy enhancing motor learning. Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT-ILE) is an intensive therapy following motor learning principles and continuously requiring upper extremities, lower extremities and postural control. It is one of the most efficient therapy for children with cerebral palsy. However, the effectiveness of this intervention has not been tested in adults with chronic stroke. The aim of this study was to examinate the efficacity of HABIT-ILE in this population. We assessed participants regarding the three domains of the International Classification of Function (ICF) before and after 2 weeks of HABIT-ILE for adults using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT); the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT); ABILHAND questionnaire; ACTIVLIM-Stroke; Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Functional goals were determined and assessed using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Participants were able to improve their upper extremities function (assessed by ABILHAND); their estimation of stroke recovery (assessed by the SIS); and their satisfaction and performance regarding functional goals determined before treatment (COPM). In conclusion, HABIT-ILE for chronic stroke adults showed improvements among the three domains of the ICF.