In the past few years, new trials that provided augmented
exercise training by physical and occupational therapists have
been conducted. The results of these trials show results that
range from no measurable benefits4–7 to significant effects on
ADL.8–11 This discrepancy can be related to differences in: (1)
methodological quality of the trials; (2) patient selection; (3)
amount of contrast between the intensity of treatment in experimental
and control groups; (4) differences in type, focus, and
timing of intervention after stroke; (5) differences in outcome
measures; and (6) statistical power to show true effects. In
particular, there is much debate about the amount of therapy that
is needed and whether there is a minimum threshold below
which there is no benefit.