Paretic hand unimanual force control: Improved submaximal force production and regularity

Abstract

The purpose was to investigate force control capabilities in paretic hands during unimanual movements after coupled bimanual movement training and neuromuscular stimulation on impaired muscles. Nineteen chronic stroke participants completed 90min of rehabilitation per week for six consecutive weeks. Before and after training, volunteers performed unimanual submaximal force control tasks at 5% and 50% of maximum voluntary contraction with their paretic and non-paretic hands. Force control measures included submaximal force production, force variability, accuracy, and regularity. Two major findings on paretic hands after training revealed: (a) greater submaximal force production across force levels and (b) less regular force outputs. Paretic hand control improved after coupled bimanual movement training as evidenced by submaximal force production and force regularity.