OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive sensory motor training therapy (Perfetti's method) vis-a-vis conventional occupational therapy in the recovery of arm function after acute stroke. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Two rehabilitation centers in Bangkok, Thailand. SUBJECTS: Forty first-time acute stroke patients without severe cognitive or language impairment. INTERVENTION: All subjects were randomly divided into two groups; one was treated using Perfetti's method and the other using conventional occupational therapy. Each group underwent therapy for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks. MAIN MEASURES: The primary variable was arm function as assessed by the Action Research Arm Test; secondary variables were the extended Barthel Index and the box and block test score. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between the two groups at the end of treatment for any variable. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of a difference between cognitive sensory motor training therapy of Perfetti's method and conventional occupational therapy with respect to the restoration of hand and arm function after a stroke.

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