The effect of inter-limb skill transfer on motor learning in patients with hemiparetic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

INTERVENTION: Intervention group In addition to usual inpatient rehabilitation program, the patients assigned to the intervention group perform Nine Hole Peg Test 10 times a day using each hand in alternate order (total 20 times) for 7‐days. Control group In addition to usual inpatient rehabilitation program, the patients assigned to the control group perform Nine Hole Peg Test 10 times a day using only the affected hand for 7‐days. In control group, patients takes a break for 30 seconds before each intervention (total 10 times a day) instead of doing intervention using the non‐affected hand. CONDITION: Hemiparetic stroke PRIMARY OUTCOME: The scores of Nine Hole Peg Test pre and post 7‐days intervention period, and at 7 days after the intervention. SECONDARY OUTCOME: We assess the following measures pre and post 7‐days intervention period, and at 7 days after the intervention.; Modified Nine Hole Peg Test; Purdue Pegboard Test; Box and Block Test; Strength of pinch (lateral pinch, palmar pinch); Fugl‐Meyer Assessment Scale INCLUSION CRITERIA: The patients with first‐ever stroke who are receiving inpatient rehabilitation programs in Tokyo Bay Rehabilitation Hospital. More than 2 months after the onset of stroke. Patients with hemiparesis. Patients with the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) upper limb proximal motor function (knee‐mouth test) score ranging from 3 to 5 and distal motor function (finger‐function test) scores ranging from 3 to 5. Patients who require over 30 seconds and less than 60 seconds to complete Nine Hole Peg Test. The difference of time required to complete Nine Hole Peg Test between the non‐affected hand and the affected hand is over 5 seconds. Consent to participate in the study.