Deficits in upper limbs after stroke

Abstract

Objective. To verify whether the functional hemispheric asymmetries exert influence over the deficits on upper limbs of hemiparetic stroke patients. Method. 42 right-handed patients participated in the study, 18 women and 24 men, average age 61.7±10 years, average time le­sion 22±15.1 months. The instruments of measurements: Handgrip Dynamometer, Esthesiometer, Box and Blocks Test, Nine Hole and Peg Test, Barthel Index, Movements Hand Scale and the Modified Ashworth Scale. Results. All tests showed a difference between the paretic and non-paretic sides. Between men and women there was a difference only in the handgrip (p=0.001 paretic side and p<0.000 non paretic side). As hemispheric dominance was different in the pa­retic limb, with the best performance in Box and Blocks Test on the dominant side (p=0.016). Conclusion: In hemiparetic patients the contralateral alterations are global and more severe, and the ipsilateral are related to the manual dexterity. The evaluation and the rehabilita­tion planning of these patients have to consider global approaches and not only limited to the contralateral deficits.