Motor Function in the Late Phase After Stroke: Stroke Survivors' Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Stroke Recovery
• Motor Function Assessment

Background:

• Late-phase recovery after stroke is complex, involving both objective functional status and subjective patient perception.
• Understanding the relationship between observed motor function and self-perceived recovery is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between observer-assessed functional status and perceived recovery in individuals in the late phase post-stroke.
• To determine if functional improvements from horse-riding therapy (H-RT) correlate with enhanced perception of stroke recovery.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlational study utilizing data from a 3-armed randomized controlled trial (n=123).
• Participants receiving 12 weeks of H-RT (n=43) were assessed using measures of motor function (Modified Motor Assessment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, 10-m walk) and perceived recovery (Stroke Impact Scale).
• Spearman rank order correlation (rs) was employed for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Significant moderate to strong correlations (rs=-0.49 to 0.54, p<0.001) were found between observer-assessed motor variables and perceived stroke recovery at baseline.
• Post-H-RT intervention, improvements in both self-selected and fast gait speed were significantly correlated with increased self-rated stroke recovery (rs=-0.41, p=0.01 and rs=-0.38, p=0.02, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Observer-assessed motor function is associated with self-perceived recovery in the late phase after stroke.
• Objective gains in gait speed following H-RT intervention are linked to enhanced self-perceived stroke recovery, highlighting the importance of functional improvements in patient outlook.