Incidence and potential predictors of early onset of upper-limb contractures after stroke

To investigate the incidence and potential predictors of upper-limb contractures, three months after stroke.

Prospective cohort study.

Consecutive sample of individuals with hemiparesis due to stroke, admitted to a public hospital in Brazil. Contractures were measured by passive range of motion of lateral shoulder rotation, elbow extension, and wrist extension with a gravity inclinometer. Potential predictors included measures of muscle strength, spasticity of the upper-limb muscles, upper-limb function, dexterity, and pain. Measurements were obtained within four weeks and at three months after the stroke. A binomial regression analysis was employed.

Out of the 76 individuals with hemiparesis, 28% developed at least one contracture on their paretic upper limb. The incidence of contracture varied across the joints from 6% to 16% and the wrist was the most affected joint. Individuals with moderate stroke showed higher incidence of contracture, compared with those with mild stroke. Dexterity (OR 0.009, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.00-0.19) and pain (OR 6.417, 95% CI 1.22-33.83) were significant predictors of shoulder, elbow, and wrist contractures.

Individuals with mild and moderate stroke developed upper-limb contractures three months after the onset of the stroke, with an incidence of 28%. The predictors were the presence of pain and loss of dexterity. These impairments should be earlier targeted during rehabilitation interventions.Implications for rehabilitationThe incidence of upper limb contracture 3 months after the stroke is high after mild to moderate stroke.Wrist contractures are the most common upper limb contracture.The presence of pain and loss of dexterity significantly contribute to the development of upper limb contractures.Health professionals should target on the control of pain and improvement of upper-limb dexterity to prevent contractures.