Ipsilesional upper-limb motor deficits after stroke are functionally significant but often overlooked in rehabilitation, despite their potential impact on recovery, particularly in individuals with severe contralesional hemiparesis. To address this gap, a randomized controlled study investigated whether targeted training of the ipsilesional arm could enhance motor performance in chronic stroke patients with pronounced contralesional impairment and notable ipsilesional deficits.
In this trial, 100 adults were screened, and participants were assigned to a 5-week, 15-session intervention focusing on either the ipsilesional (n = 25) or contralesional (n = 28) upper limb. The ipsilesional group received virtual reality–based and manipulation training, while the contralesional group underwent dose-matched, best-practice therapy, enabling evaluation of functional improvements across both…
