Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Enhance Functional Recovery During Chronic Recovery From Upper Extremity Nerve Repair

Change from Baseline Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) performance at two weeks.

The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) measures limb function by having participants pick up various objects of different sizes, different weights, and different shapes (e.g., a glass of water, a cricket ball). This secondary outcome measure will investigate any change in participant performance between pre- and post-intervention sessions of the ARAT.

Time frame: Baseline, immediately after end of intervention (+/- 3 days).

Change from baseline upper limb movement as measured by actigraphy-derived variables during everyday life at periodic intervals after intervention.

This secondary outcome measure will employ actigraphy on participants to measure limb movement in everyday life before and after the intervention. Participants will wear wrist-watch like devices that contain accelerometers on each upper extremity in 24-72 hour sessions. Two primary variables will quantify upper limb activity from accelerometer data: the Bilateral Magnitude and the Magnitude Ratio. The Bilateral Magnitude quantifies the intensity of activity across both limbs, whereas the Magnitude Ratio quantifies the contribution of each limb to activity. This outcome measure will investigate the change in the Bilateral Magnitude and Magnitude Ratio between a baseline pre-intervention test and post-intervention actigraphy sessions performed within one week of completion of the intervention, at 1 month post-intervention, 3-months post intervention, and 6-months post intervention.

Time frame: Baseline, post intervention at week 1, post intervention at 1 month, post intervention at 3 months, post intervention at 6 months.