Less-Affected Hand Function Is Associated With Independence in Daily Living: A Longitudinal Study Poststroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Stroke Recovery
• Upper Extremity Function

Background:

• Mild upper extremity (UE) deficits are common post-stroke, but patient perception and impact on independence are unclear.
• The less-affected UE's role in activities of daily living (ADL) post-stroke requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally assess function, dexterity, grip strength, and self-perception of the less-affected UE post-stroke.
• To compare UE function to normative data.
• To determine the association between both UEs and ADL independence within the first six months post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study assessing 87 stroke survivors at 3 time points: rehabilitation admission, 6 weeks, and 6 months.
• Utilized Box and Block Test, Functional Dexterity Test (FDT), Jamar Dynamometer, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM).
• Employed Spearman correlations and multiple regression models to analyze data.

Main Results:

• Significant deficits in the less-affected UE were present at baseline, with limited self-perception.
• While UE function and dexterity improved, most participants did not reach normative values by 6 months.
• Both less- and more-affected UEs significantly contributed to ADL variance.

Conclusions:

• The less-affected UE remains impaired post-stroke, impacting ADL and instrumental ADL.
• Functional improvements are noted, but deficits persist below normative levels at six months.
• Further research is warranted to address persistent UE impairments and enhance functional independence.