AIM: Arm-hand performance problems are likely to occur after stroke. Major progress in neuroscience has resulted in novel concepts for rehabilitation interventions after stroke. Despite the growing number of studies showing evidence on task-oriented interventions its effect on hand function needs more investigation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of motor relearning program on improving hand functions in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: This was a single blinded randomized controlled study design. Forty stroke patients were given 2 hours session three days per week for six weeks for the affected upper limb. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The Bobath treatment group (BT) was the control group that received treatment based on Bobath approach while the motor relearning group (MR) underwent the motor relearning program. In addition both groups received 30 minutes of electrical stimulation to wrist and finger extensors. Outcome measures used were Purdue Pegboard test score, hand grip strength, resting angle of ulnar deviation and wrist flexor spasticity. RESULTS: No pre-existing differences were found between groups on any demographic variables or outcome measures. A significant difference was found in favour of MR group only for hand grip strength and ulnar deviation after treatment. CONCLUSION: Motor relearning program has substantial effect on improving hand grip strength and decreasing spasticity of ulnar deviation but not the fine hand functions or wrist flexor spasticity.

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