Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Through Advanced Robotic and Neuromodulation Technologies
Published on: October 11, 2024
Upper extremity function and strength, assessed with unsupported upper limb exercise test, is impaired in patients
Fatma Temiz1, Yeşim Ağyol1, Kerem Abacar2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Marmara University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objectives:
We aimed to assess the upper extremity (UE) muscle function/strength of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) patients compared to healthy controls (HC) and the factors affecting functional outcomes.
Methods:
Patients with TAK (n = 51, F/M: 42/9, mean age: 44 (13.3) years) were compared cross-sectionally with HC (n = 51), 24 patients also had a follow-up. Muscle outcomes were assessed by unsupported upper limb exercise test (UULEX), handgrip strength (HS), and QuickDASH.
Results:
UULEX completion time was 171.1 (103.5) seconds in TAK patients, and 432 (44.7) seconds in the HC group (P < .001). Both right HS (TAK: 22.9 (7.25) versus HC: 27.3 (2.7) kg, P = .002) and left HS (TAK: 21.9 (6.8) versus HC: 25.4 (7.5) kg, P = .014) were reduced in TAK patients. UULEX was significantly decreased in patients with active disease (104.4 (62.1) seconds (sec.) versus 183.5 (105.3) sec., P = .023). In follow-up measurements, HS and QuickDASH scores were similar, while UULEX completion time increased significantly. UULEX completion time decreased significantly in patients who had a relapse during the follow-up (-37.6 (62.9) sec. versus 73.2 (87.5) sec., P = .001).
Conclusions:
UE muscle function/strength is impaired in TAK patients, associated with disease relapses. UULEX appears to be a promising functional test that shows an association with clinical and radiological parameters and may have potential for monitoring disease activity or progression.
Related Concept Videos
Arteries of the Upper Limbs
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Arteries of Lower Limbs

