Sensorimotor impairments of paretic upper limb correlates with activities of daily living in subjects with chronic stroke

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between sensorimotor impairments of paretic upper limb and the hand functions of activities of daily living (ADLs) scores in persons with chronic stroke.This is a cross-sectional study with 19 chronic stroke survivors. Hand function was measured by the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). Impairments in upper extremity motor function were measured by upper limb items of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE). Forearm muscles strength, handgrip and pinch grip power were assessed using handheld dynamo-meters. Tactile sensation threshold was measured by monofilaments.Significant differences were found between the affected and unaffected side in the total JTHFT scores, forearm muscle strength, handgrip and pinch grip (p≤0.017), but not the tactile sensa-tion threshold. The total JTHFT scores were found to be correlated with total score of FMA-UE (rs = -0.789), hand-grip power (rs = -0.588) and pinch grip power (rs = -0.657) on the affected side, but not the tactile sensation. The total JTHFT scores were correlated with FMA-UE scores, handgrip and pinch grip of the affected side. This is the first study in documenting the correlation between the sensorimotor impairments and JTHFT scores in persons with chronic stroke. Our findings highlights the importance of including upper limb and grip strength training in stroke rehabilitation program in order to improve hand functions in activities of daily living in patients with chronic stroke.