Motor disturbances predominantly characterize hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Among its intervention methods, environmental enrichment (EE) is strictly considered a form of sensory intervention. However, limited research uses EE as a single sensory input intervention to validate outcomes postintervention. A Sprague-Dawley rat model subjected to left common carotid artery ligation and exposure to oxygen-hypoxic conditions is used in this study. EE was achieved by enhancing the recreational and stress-relief items within the cage, increasing the duration of sunlight, colorful items exposure, and introducing background music. JZL184 (JZL) was administered as neuroprotective drugs. EE was performed 21 days postoperatively and the rats were randomly assigned to the standard environment and EE groups, the two groups were redivided into control, JZL, and vehicle injection subgroups. The Western blotting and behavior test indicated that EE and JZL injections were efficacious in promoting cognitive function in rats following HIE. In addition, the motor function performance in the EE-alone intervention group and the JZL-alone group after HIE was significantly improved compared with the control group. The combined EE and JZL intervention group exhibited even more pronounced improvements in these performances. EE may enhance motor function through sensory input different from the direct neuroprotective effect of pharmacological treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rarely does literature assess motor function, even though it is common after hypoxia ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Previously used environmental enrichment (EE) components have not been solely used as sensory inputs. Physical factors were minimized in our study to observe the effects of purely sensory inputs.