A randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of an upper limb self-rehabilitation programme among chronic Beninese stroke patients

Introduction/Background After stroke, approximately 80% of patients have upper limb impairment. Upper limb is then a key issue in neurorehabilitation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of self-rehabilitation program of upper limb after stroke, in Benin. Material and method It was a randomised controlled trial concerning 59 patients presenting hemiplegia more than 6 months after stroke. The 28 patients of experimental group have executed a self-rehabilitation program during 8 week at home. The control group had 31 patients who received no treatment related to the study. Patients have been evaluated before the treatment (T0), at the end of the treatment (T1) and 8 weeks after later (T2). Le primary outcome was the manual ability assessed by ABILHAND Stroke for Benin. The secondary outcomes were: neurological impairments (Fugl- Meyer), manual dexterity (Box and Block Test, Wolf Motor Function Test) and quality of life (Whoquol-Brief). Two way repeated measure ANOVA in intention to treat was did for analysis. Results The experimental group improved significantly their manual ability in comparison to the control group ( P Conclusion The self-rehabilitation program for upper limb after stroke is feasible and efficient in Benin to enhances the manual ability for chronic stroke patients. The self-rehabilitation program is an intensive program including unimanual and bimanual functional exercises, repeating movements of the daily life of patients.