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Patient reported outcomes of hand function three years after stroke
Henk Arwert1,2, Selma Schut1, Jelis Boiten3
1a Sophia Rehabilitation Center , The Hague , The Netherlands.
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
|October 14, 2017
Summary
Stroke survivors often experience persistent hand function limitations, impacting daily activities and appearance years post-stroke. Lower education and stroke severity are linked to poorer hand outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Stroke frequently leads to long-term motor deficits, particularly affecting hand function.
- Understanding factors influencing hand function recovery is crucial for effective rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess hand function and identify associated factors in stroke survivors using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving stroke patients completing questionnaires on hand function, socio-demographics, and quality of life.
- Retrospective collection of stroke characteristics from medical records.
- Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with MHQ scores.
Main Results:
- 36% of eligible stroke survivors (n=207) participated; mean age 63.8 years, 60.4% male.
- Most patients (85%) scored below 100 on the MHQ Total score (median 79.9), indicating persistent hand function limitations.
- Lower MHQ scores correlated with lower Barthel Index at discharge, lower education, supratentorial stroke, and poorer physical/mental functioning, quality of life, and increased caregiver strain.
Conclusions:
- Stroke survivors experience significant hand function limitations, including appearance and satisfaction, 2-5 years post-stroke.
- Persistent hand problems are associated with stroke severity (supratentorial) and lower educational attainment.
- Rehabilitation should address not only motor function but also psychosocial aspects and patient-reported outcomes.
