Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of early bilateral limbs rehabilitation on nerve function of stroke patients.Methods60 cases of acute stroke were divided into unilateral group and bilateral group with 30 cases in each group. Cases in bilateral group were treated by training healthy side and sick side limbs alternatively and electric stimulating bilateral limbs at same time. Cases in unilateral group were treated only on sick limbs (both training and electric stimulating). After 4 weeks treatment, neurological deficit evaluation (NDE), motor function and activities of daily living of all cases in two groups were assessed.ResultsAfter treatment, scores of NDE, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale and Barthel index of patients of bilateral group were 9.9±4.52, 71.21±22.43 and 78.6 ± 20.17 respectively. Those of patients of unilateral group were 13.46±9.2, 52.21±17.68 and 54.2±16.34 respectively. There was a significant difference between two groups (P<0.01) after 4 weeks treatment.ConclusionEarly rehabilitation can improve nerve function of stroke patients and the effect of bilateral limbs rehabilitation is better than that of unilateral limbs rehabilitation.

Key words: stroke, early rehabilitation, bilateral limbs training