Intensive training in chronic upper limb hemiparesis does not increase spasticity or synergies.

The authors assessed whether intensive training increases spasticity and leads to the development of "pathologic movement patterns," a concern often raised by Bobath-trained therapists. The authors used a baseline-control repeated-measures test to study 29 patients with chronic upper limb hemiparesis who received daily shaping training. Their results suggest that training has no adverse effects on muscle tone and movement quality.