Assessment of Hand Function in Post Stroke Patients Using ‘Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test’

Abstract

Aim: After stroke, the majority of stroke survivors experience significant arm-hand impairments anda decreased use of the paretic arm and hand in daily life. The actual use of the affected hand in dailylife performance depends on the severity of the arm-hand impairment and is associated with perceivedlimitations in participation. Severity of arm-hand impairment is also associated with a decrease ofhealth-related quality of life, restricted social participation, and subjective well-being.Thus the studyaims to assess the hand function using Jebsen Taylor Hand function test among patients post stroke.Methodology: Hand function was assessed using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test,which includedseven tasks to be performed by the subjects.Hand function was assessed in 22 post stroke patients whohad experienced the stroke event at least 6 months prior.Results: Out of the seven activities performed by 22 patients,the time required for all the activitiesis given as follows (highest to lowest) –Writing, Simulated feeding, Small; common objects, Cardturning, Checkers, Light; heavy objects, Large; light objects.Conclusion: Overall the study showed that the writing activity required the most amount of time for allthe subjects. The study also concludes that the time duration required is greater for the non-dominanthand compared to the dominant hand for all the above mentioned activities.