Primary outcome
Dextrain, Post-stroke
SECONDARY
BBT-change (T1-T0) was not normally-distributed and substantially skewed (Shapiro Wilks = 0.92, P = 0.0045; skewness = 1.06). In the Dextrain group, median (IQR) (T1-T0) BBT-change was 5 (2–7) compared to 4 (2–7) blocks/min in the CT group (Fig. Post-stroke recovery of dexterous hand use. Box and block test (BBT) score as outcome measure across time (training) and groups (Dextrain group vs. CT, conventional therapy group). Primary and secondary outcomesMood median test (two-tailed) for variables not normally distributed (Shapiro–Wilk’s test P < 0.05) and Student t-test was used for testing group differences of normally distributed variables. MAL [0–5, 5 normal]. Light touch sensation (Semmes–Weinstein) [0–10] (0 = not identified, 10 = all correctly identified)Change from baseline for Tracking error and Reaction Time were calculated as T0-T1 and T0-T2 for post-therapy and follow-up changes, respectivelyNote: the median of group differences here shown is in skewed data not (necessarily) identical to the difference of the group medians. P-values calculated when confidence limits of median of differences were positive (not below zero). We did not correct for multiple comparisons since this was a pilot RCT study. Significant differences indicated by *(P ≤ 0.05), provided for median differences with CI in positive range. Fmax% = maximal grip force (%); MPUT = Moberg Pick-up Test; MAL AOU = Motor Activity Log Amount Of Use; MAL QOM = Motor Activity Log Quality Of Movement; ARAT = Action Research Arm TestRegarding within-group changes, Friedman’s repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of time in both groups (P < 0.001). Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed a significant change immediately post-training (T1-T0) in both groups (Dextrain: Z = 3.8, CT: Z = 3.2, P < 0.002), and a continued positive change after therapy to 3 month follow-up (T2-T1) in the Dextrain (Fig. Dropouts showed significantly reduced BBT-change (T1-T0) (Additional file 