The Effect of Bilateral Arm Training on Motor Areas Excitability in Chronic Stroke Patients

The Background: Physical therapy exercises that donot enhance motor areas neuroplasticity lead to motor impairment especially at the upper extermity (UE) in the chronic stroke patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using bilateral arm training on motor areas excitability (neuroplasticity) in the chronic stroke patients. Methods: Thirty male chronic stroke patients with moderate impairment of UE were assigned into two equal groups. The changes of motor areas excitability (neuroplasticity) were assessed before and after arm training by spectral analysis of mapping electroencephalograme (EEG). Patients in group 1 (G1)received unilateral arm training and patients in group 2 (G2)received bilateral arm training. The Results: Showed significant increased in the excitability (neuroplasticity) at (F4+F8) and (C4) motor areas in G2 comparing to G1 (p!9.006) and (p!9.036 )respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that bilateral arm training is a recommended method to enhance the motor areas excitability (neuroplasticity) in the chronic stroke patients.