Discussion
elbow flexor spasticity, UL impairment, subacute stroke
We investigated the effects of a novel theory-driven approach on reaching training of the hemiparetic UL in patients with subacute stroke. Training was provided based on the individual’s specific elbow extension range impairment. Using TSRT assessment, in each patient we identified the range of his/her elbow movement in which disordered control of stretch reflex activation occurred in the form of elbow flexor spasticity. Repeated reaching training was conducted with the intentional restriction of elbow extension to the spasticity-free part of the range. We expected that this type of individualized practice would result in better arm movement quality, given the relative preservation of the ability to produce typical muscle activation patterns in that rangeClinical measures of UL impairment and activity limitation improved after the 2-week training period in both the Restricted- and Non-restricted range groups. While some of this improvement may have been due to spontaneous recovery