Upper Extremity Motor Evoked Potentials and Hand Function in Elderly Stroke Survivors: A Correlational Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Geriatric Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts upper extremity function in older adults, necessitating precise recovery prediction.
• Motor evoked potentials (MEP) show promise for predicting upper extremity recovery post-stroke, but geriatric-specific research is limited.
• This study addresses the gap by investigating MEP parameters in patients aged 65 and older.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate correlations between MEP parameters (amplitude and latency) and upper extremity function in older adults post-stroke.
• To assess the predictive value of MEPs for functional recovery using measures like the MRC scale, K-MBI, and HFT.
• To explore the utility of MEP latency and amplitude in geriatric stroke prognostication.

Main Methods:

• A multiple linear regression model was employed to predict upper extremity outcomes.
• The study included 90 stroke patients, assessed for MEPs either ≤3 months or >3 months post-stroke.
• Correlations were examined between MEP parameters and functional measures including grip strength, pinch strength, Box and Block Test, and 9-Hole Peg Test.

Main Results:

• MEP amplitude and latency showed significant correlations with upper extremity function in both early and late assessment groups.
• MEP latency was significantly associated with grip strength and the Box and Block Test.
• Initial upper extremity parameters were significantly associated with follow-up K-MBI and HFT results.

Conclusions:

• Larger MEP amplitude and faster MEP latency correlate with better upper extremity function in stroke patients.
• In older adults, MEP latency offers greater predictive value for upper extremity recovery than MEP amplitude.
• MEP latency assessment should be integrated into geriatric stroke prognostication, complementing existing tools like PREP2, to guide personalized rehabilitation.