[The relationship between early motor stage and hand function recovery six months after stroke]

The prognosis of hemiplegic hand function may reflect intrinsic recovery. Applying the variables of initial neurological loss in the hemiplegic upper extremity to predict the prognosis of hand function will enable therapists to establish the ultimate goals of rehabilitation and to select the appropriate treatment programs. Pinch and grip strength tests, Frenchay arm function test and the nine-hole peg test were used to determine the relationship between the initial Brunnstrom motor stage of the hemiplegic upper extremity and the prognosis of hand function after six months. Forty stroke patients were divided into three groups. Group I was subjects with a motor stage below the Brunnstrom motor stage III in both proximal and distal parts of the hemiplegic upper extremity. Group II was subjects with motor stage below Brunnstrom motor stage III in the proximal part and above stage III in the distal part or vice versa. Group III was subjects with a motor stage above Brunnstrom motor stage III both in the proximal and the distal parts. The results of this study indicated that the prognosis of the Brunnstrom motor stage of the hemiplegic upper extremity generally improved about one or two stages. According to the results of the grip and pinch strength tests, the Frenchay arm function test or the nine-hole peg test, group I patients could hardly use their affected hand functionally. The grip strength and the pinch strength deficits of group I were 93.8% and 91.4% respectively. The grip strength and the pinch strength deficits of group II were 72.1% and 68.5% respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)