Botulinum toxin injection (BTI) reduces muscle hyperactivity, but its effect on active upper-limb function is limited. Intensive rehabilitation could optimize the effects; however, outpatient post-stroke rehabilitation is usually not intensive. One solution could be self-rehabilitation.

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effect of a self-rehabilitation program combined with BTI on upper-limb function in individuals with chronic hemiparesis.

In total, 33 outpatients were randomly allocated to receive BTI+self-rehabilitation (R group: n=17) or BTI alone (C group: n=16). Outcomes evaluated just before the BTI and 4 weeks later included the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT time: primary outcome), Action Research Arm Test, fatigue and quality of life.

Change in WMFT did not differ between groups at 4 weeks (WMFT time: −14% for R group, −4% for C group. WFMT score: +12% for R group, 0% in C group). WFMT time and score improved significantly in the R group only (−14%, P=0.01, and +12%, P=0.02). In addition, the proportion of patients with improved WMFT time and score was higher in the R than C group (R group: 71% improved score, 77% improved time; C group: 43% improved score, 50% improved time). Also, passive range of shoulder flexion (P=0.03) and wrist extension (P=0.01) improved only in the R group. No other variables changed significantly. Compliance was excellent; average daily training time was greater than that prescribed.

The addition of a self-rehabilitation program to BTI did not significantly improve functional outcomes more than BTI alone; however, movement quality and speed improved only in the self-rehabilitation group. Participants in the self-rehabilitation group trained more than they were asked to, which suggests that they found the program worthwhile. These clinically relevant findings justify larger-scale studies of the effects of self-rehabilitation to enhance the effects of BTI. Clinical trial: NCT02699762.