Associations between Upper Extremity Motor Function and Aphasia after Stroke: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Post-stroke aphasia (PSA) is a common consequence of stroke, often impacting motor function.
• Understanding the relationship between motor deficits and language impairments is crucial for effective stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare upper extremity (UE) motor status in stroke patients with and without PSA.
• To analyze the correlation between UE motor function and language abilities in patients with PSA.
• To identify specific language subfunctions most closely related to UE motor function.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 435 stroke patients.
• Utilized Fugl-Meyer assessment for the upper extremity (FMA-UE) and Action Research and Arm Test (ARAT) to evaluate UE motor status.
• Employed multiple linear regression analysis to determine the relationship between UE motor function and language subfunctions.

Main Results:

• Patients with PSA demonstrated significantly lower FMA-UE and ARAT scores compared to those without PSA.
• UE motor function scores (FMA-UE and ARAT) were positively correlated with language function.
• Spontaneous speech ability was identified as a significant predictor of UE motor function.

Conclusions:

• Stroke patients with PSA exhibit impaired UE motor performance.
• A significant positive correlation exists between UE motor status and language function.
• Spontaneous speech ability plays a key role in the association between motor and language functions post-stroke.