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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
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Deficits underlying handgrip performance in mildly affected chronic stroke persons.
Esther Prados-Román1, Irene Cabrera-Martos1, Laura López-López1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation
|August 8, 2020
Summary
Individuals with mild stroke show significant handgrip deficits, including reduced strength and muscle fatigue, even months after the event. These impairments in handgrip performance highlight a key area for targeted rehabilitation interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Motor Control
Background:
- Understanding handgrip deficits is crucial for developing effective post-stroke interventions.
- Impaired handgrip function is a common challenge faced by stroke survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate maximal handgrip strength, fatigue resistance, grip work, and muscle fatigue in individuals with mild stroke.
- To compare handgrip performance between stroke survivors and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 20 individuals with chronic mild stroke and 20 age- and sex-matched controls.
- Maximal voluntary contraction, grip endurance, grip work calculations, and surface electromyography were used to assess handgrip performance.
- Functional independence measure (FIM) and upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer scores were used to characterize stroke severity.
Main Results:
- Stroke survivors exhibited significantly reduced maximal handgrip strength, fatigue resistance, grip work, and muscle fatigue in the contralesional hand.
- The ipsilesional hand also showed reduced grip resistance and muscle fatigue compared to controls.
- No significant difference in grip performance was observed based on the hemispheric side of the brain lesion.
Conclusions:
- Handgrip performance remains impaired in individuals with mild stroke for at least six months post-stroke.
- These findings suggest that handgrip abilities are a viable target for rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving functional recovery after stroke.
