Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026
05:28
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients Through Advanced Robotic and Neuromodulation Technologies
Published on: October 11, 2024
1.4K
Association between upper limb motor function and balance in patients after stroke: a multicenter cross-sectional
Qiong Han1,2, Xiaoli Xu1,2, Jiaying Lin3
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Scientific Reports
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Improved upper limb motor function is linked to better balance after stroke. This association is strongest in the acute phase, suggesting early rehabilitation is key for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Stroke significantly impairs motor function and balance, impacting patient recovery and quality of life.
- Understanding the relationship between upper limb motor function and balance is crucial for effective stroke rehabilitation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between upper limb motor function and balance function in stroke survivors.
- To explore how this association varies across different phases of stroke recovery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cross-sectional study involving 1573 stroke patients from 26 Chinese hospitals.
- Evaluated upper limb motor function using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).
- Employed linear regression and smoothing curve fitting, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between upper limb motor function and balance function (β = 0.48, p < 0.001).
- The association was stronger in the acute phase (≤ 7 days post-stroke).
- Saturation effects were observed for both FMA-UE and BBS scores.
Conclusions:
- Upper limb motor function is a significant predictor of balance function in stroke patients.
- Rehabilitation focusing on upper limb function may positively influence balance recovery.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
