Secondary outcomes
auditory cues.finger, motor impairment, Dextrain
Maximal grip force (% strength of paretic vs non-paretic hand) to assess strength deficits (Jamar dynamometer; Moberg pick-up test (MPUT) score was used as a functional assessment of precision grip in the paretic hand, i.e. time taken to pick-up and place 12 objects into the box [Light touch sensation was assessed using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments (Touch Test Sensory Evaluators, 5 item-kit, North Coast Medical; five calibers from 0.07 to 279 g) to measure the tactile sensitivity of finger tips of the paretic hand.Maximal index-thumb tapping speed, reflecting degree of motor impairment, was assessed by counting the number of index-thumb taps in a period of 15 seconds [Motor Activity Log (MAL), a self-reported, semi-structured questionnaire, was used to evaluate real-life paretic arm and hand use in a range of daily tasks. It separately assesses how much (amount of use) and how well (quality of movement) patients use their paretic arm [Arm Research Action Test (ARAT), a clinical test for grasp, grip, pinch and gross movement in the hemiparetic hand, was used as a global measure of hand function [Dexterity components, measured using the same Dextrain Manipulandum tasks as in training, included the following variables from each of the four tasks:finger force-tracking: Tracking error reflecting the accuracy of force control [rhythm tapping: average tapping rate at 3 Hz pacing. Separate rate (and variability) across trials with and trials without auditory cues.finger motor sequences: few patients were able to perform this task at T0. It was not analyzed at group level.independence of finger movements: Success rate