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The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
Does trunk, arm, or leg control correlate best with overall function in stroke subjects?
Moorkoth Likhi1, V V Jidesh, R Kanagaraj
1Department of Physiotherapy, Father Muller Medical College & Hospital, Mangalore, India.
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Trunk and upper limb impairments significantly impact stroke patient function. Trunk stability is the strongest predictor of functional independence in acute stroke survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Functional independence is the primary goal of stroke rehabilitation.
- Trunk stability is crucial for balance and limb function post-stroke.
- Quantifying impairments in trunk, upper, and lower extremities aids in understanding functional limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess trunk, upper, and lower extremity impairments in stroke patients.
- To correlate these impairments with overall functional status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional correlation study involving 23 first-time stroke patients (50-75 years old).
- Assessments conducted on the eighth day post-stroke onset.
- Utilized Trunk Impairment Scale, Simplified Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (limb subscales), and FIM for overall function.
Main Results:
- Trunk activity showed a highly significant correlation with overall function (r = 0.598, P = .003).
- Upper limb activity also significantly correlated with overall function (r = 0.501, P = .015).
- Lower limb impairment did not correlate with overall function (r = 0.208, P = .342).
Conclusions:
- Functional independence in acute stroke is most strongly linked to trunk function impairment.
- Upper limb impairment is the second most significant factor influencing functional outcomes.
