Patients with stroke were referred to the rehabilitation clinic where the present study was conducted if they were of working age (between 18 and 67 years old). Of these patients, all those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the training model (see below) between August 2000 and September 2004 (n=20) were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were similar to those specified by Taub et al.13 All patients completed the 2-week training programme and the 6-month follow-up. These patients had previously received primary rehabilitation at the same clinic or had been referred from other clinics.
The inclusion criteria were the following:
Reduced ability to use the hemi-paretic arm
Six months or more since stroke (patient had completed primary rehabilitation and was currently living at home)
Ability to actively extend the wrist at least 20° and to extend the metacarpophalangeal and the interphalangeal joints 10° (ROM was measured from the resting position of the hand for each patient)
Ability to walk and balance safely, without using the non-affected hand, with or without gait aid (patients who used a wheelchair had to be able to operate the wheelchair with their feet)
Absence of any serious cognitive deficit or uncontrolled medical problem believed to negatively affect participation during the training period (this criterion was evaluated after consultation with the therapists and the doctor in charge)
Ability to understand the content of the training period and motivation to participate