Paretic upper-limb strength best explains arm activity in people with stroke

Background and Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among variables of upper-limb impairment, upper-limb performance in activities of daily living (activity), and engagement in life events and roles (participation) in people with chronic stroke. Subjects The subjects were 93 community-dwelling individuals with stroke (≥ 1 year). Methods This study, which was conducted in a tertiary rehabilitation center, used a cross-sectional design. The main measures of impairment were the Modified Ashworth Scale, handheld dynamometry, sensory testing (monofilaments), and the Brief Pain Inventory. The main measures of activity were the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) and the Motor Activity Log (MAL). The main measure of participation was the Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL) Index. Results Paretic upper-limb strength (force-generating capacity) (r=.89, P Discussion and Conclusion Paretic upper-limb strength had the strongest relationship with variables of activity and best explained upper-limb performance in activities of daily living. Grip strength, tone, and sensation also were factors of upper-limb performance in activities of daily living. Increased tone and upper-limb performance in activities of daily living had a weak relationship with participation.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in the older population and can significantly affect aspects of a person's physical, emotional, and social life. As stroke mortality rates [...]