Hand function measurements
The BBT was the tool used to measure the changes in hand manipulation recovery at each session. The test involves moving 2.54-cm (1-in.) cubes from one box to another, and is graded based on the number of blocks moved in 1 minute, using each hand (Trombly & Radomski, 2002). The cube carry test, a subtest of the Manual Function Test (MFT), was used to check each patient’s reaching and movement functions at each session. The MFT was developed at the North East (Japan) University to measure upper extremity function and movement in hemiplegic stroke patients. The card turning test is a subtest of the JebseneTaylor Hand Function Test, and simultaneously measures finger move- ments and forearm pronation/supination. In this study, the test was used to check the upper extremity movement speed for each patient at each session.