Analysis of the Influence of the Position of the Trunk and the Affected Upper Limb on Motor Coordination and Grip Strength of the Dominant and Non-dominant Hand and Wrist in Post-stroke Patients Compared to Healthy Controls.
Analysis of the Influence of the Position of the Trunk and the Affected Upper Limb on Motor Coordination and Grip Strength of the Dominant and Non-dominant Hand and Wrist in Post-stroke Patients Compared to Healthy Controls.
This study aimed to assess how stabilization of the trunk and the upper extremity can change the parameters of hand/wrist motor coordination and grip strength in dominant and non-dominant paretic upper limb, in post-stroke patients and neurologically healthy subjects.
The examination of the dominant and non-dominant paretic hand consisted of two motor tasks, carried out in two different starting positions: sitting and lying down (supine).
During the first examination, the subject sat on the therapeutic table (without back support), feet resting on the floor. The upper limb was examined in adduction of the humeral joint, with the elbow bent in the intermediate position between pronation and supination of the forearm, with free wrist and the hand.
In the supine position, the affected upper limb was stabilized at the subject's body (adduction in the humeral joint, elbow flexion in the intermediate position, wrist and hand free). The Hand Tutor device and an electronic hand dynamometer were used for the measurements. In each of the starting positions, after putting the glove on (using the Hand Tutor Device), the subject was asked to make moves as quickly and in as full a range as possible. Finally, the measurement of grip strength with a dynamometer was performed in both analyzed starting positions, after completing the range of motion and frequency tests.
Stroke Inclusion Criteria:1) participants with ischemic stroke; 2) participants with hemiparesis after 5 to 7 week after stroke; 3) participants with stable trunk (the Trunk Control Test 70-100 points); 4) participants who were in a functional state allowing movements of the upper extremity (FMA-UE 40-66 motor function points); 5) muscle tension (MAS 0 -1+); 6) no severe deficits in communication, memory, or understanding what can impede proper measurement performance; Stroke Exclusion Criteria:1) stroke up to two weeks after the episode, 2) acute polyneuropathy and damage to peripheral nerves, 3) lack of trunk stability, 4) no wrist and hand movement, 5) muscle tension (˃2 MAS), 6) high or very low blood pressure, 7) dizziness, a malaise of the respondents.
Healthy Inclusion Criteria - 1) the control group consisted of participants free from the upper extremity motor coordination disorders; Healthy Exclusion Criteria: 1) participants with a history of neurologic or musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, stroke, head injury, or other conditions that could affect their ability to active movement and grip hand; 2) with severe deficits in communication, memory, or understanding what can impede proper measurement performance;