Translating Intensive Arm Rehabilitation in Stroke to a Telerehabilitation Format

Home-based BATRAC training will consist of 60 minutes of training at home (45 minutes using the BATRAC and 15 minutes of TTT) using the BATRAC training will include high intensity bilateral reaching and rest periods using the BATRAC followed by 15 minutes of video guided transition to task training (TTT). These videos will be linked from the VA MyHealtheVet site to study specific Youtube videos of the study therapist demonstrating the exercise. Asynchronous communication between the therapist and participant will be completed using the MyHealtheVet secure messaging system.

Lab-based BATRAC will consist of 60 minutes of training in the lab (45 minutes using BATRAC and 15 minutes of TTT). BATRAC training will include high intensity bilateral reaching and retrieving actions (pushing handles away and pulling them back) on a constrained linear track to promote maximum arm extension. This training will be followed by 15 minutes of transition to task training (TTT) with supervision and support as needed by the therapist.

Participants randomized to this group will initially serve as a control for the first 6 weeks of the study and not receive any study interventions except the protocol study evaluations in the same time intervals as those receiving active interventions and weekly phone calls to record general activity level.