Despite motor and functional improvement, upper extremity daily use was limited for people affected by stroke between discharge to home and 12 months after stroke, according to recently published data in Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases.
Researchers measured upper extremity (UE) daily use with wrist accelerometers and a self-report through a motor activity log. The results found that UE functional ability improved significantly by 12 months after stroke. The amount of self-reported UE daily use also improved significantly, but accelerometer activity counts did not. Additionally, the daily use of the non-affected UE was three times more than the affected UE.
The researchers concluded enhanced motor and functional ability at discharge predicts more daily UE use at 12 months after stroke. Interventions that monitor and encourage individuals to use their affected UE are needed to translate functional gains to daily use, the researchers concluded.
Reference:
Rand D. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.07.039
Disclosure: See the study for a full list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
