Quantifying lower extremity and trunk function for dressing in stroke patients: a retrospective observational study.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Dressing performance is closely linked to balance function in stroke patients.
• Motor functions of both lower extremities and trunk significantly influence dressing ability.
• Understanding functional requirements is crucial for effective stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the necessary standards of lower extremity and trunk function for stroke patients to achieve dressing-related balance.
• To establish objective targets for motor function improvement in stroke rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• 105 first-time stroke patients were analyzed.
• Patients were classified based on Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores (≥44 and ≥32).
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analyzed sensory and motor functions, abdominal, and knee extension strength.

Main Results:

• ROC analysis showed an area under the curve ≥0.7 for all assessed variables.
• Specific cut-off values were identified for affected limb hip flexion (4), knee extension (4), foot pat (2), and sensation (3).
• Cut-off values for unaffected limb abdominal strength (3) and knee extension strength (3) were also determined.

Conclusions:

• Identified cut-off values serve as functional targets for motor rehabilitation in stroke patients.
• These targets can guide therapeutic interventions to enhance dressing independence.
• The findings provide a quantitative basis for assessing and improving balance and motor skills essential for dressing.