Purpose The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Top-down and Bottom-up approaches on levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF), including impairments, activities, and participation. Materials and methods Thirty-nine chronic stroke survivors were recruited for this single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Participants were assigned to Top-down, Bottom-up interventions, or control group, and received a 6-week intervention. They were assessed before/after treatments and at follow-up (6 weeks later). Impairments were measured through kinematic analysis, Trail Making Tests (TMT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Activity and participation were evaluated via Box and Block Test, Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), respectively. Results We found significant improvements in impairment (FMA) and participation (COPM) in all groups, however, COPM scores improved beyond the MCID only in the Top-down, and FMA scores exceeded the MCID in Top-down and Bottom-up groups. Use of the upper limb in daily activities (MAL) enhanced in the Top-down group, although was not clinically significant. Conclusion In most of the outcome measures, no significant difference was observed between groups. It seems that Top-down, Bottom-up, and traditional interventions have relatively comparable effectiveness in chronic stroke survivors. Trial Registration IRCT20150721023277N2