In neuroimaging studies of stroke patients, coactivation may account for incre ased recruitment of bilateral motor areas when moving the affected limb. Here we studied eight patients after stroke with fMRI and simultaneous EMG. Bilateral r ecruitment of premotor and primary motor cortices was evident in five patients w ith strictly unilateral performance per EMG. Because patients had excellent moto r recovery, this increased recruitment suggests an adaptive response to the infa rct. In neuroimaging studies of stroke patients, coactivation may account for incre ased recruitment of bilateral motor areas when moving the affected limb. Here we studied eight patients after stroke with fMRI and simultaneous EMG. Bilateral r ecruitment of premotor and primary motor cortices was evident in five Because patients had excellent moto r recovery, this increased recruitment suggests an adaptive response to the infa rct.