High-intensity Training in an Enriched Environment in Late Phase After Stroke

We designed an explorative clinical study to assess the effectiveness of an enriched intense and task-oriented therapy program in enhancing motor recovery in patients with moderate to moderately severe hemiplegia after stroke. This enriched comprehensive task-specific therapy (ETT) program combines intensive and task-specific therapy with the sensory-motor, social, and cognitive stimulation inherent to environmental enrichment. We also investigated whether ETT improves gait, balance, upper and lower limb function, and confidence in task performance, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reduces fatigue and depression.