Introductory Analysis of Human Upper Extremity After Stroke

Abstract

The most reliable prognostic factors associated with upper extremity (UE) recovery are localized motor impairments, especially in the musculature of the hand and abduction of the shoulder in the first days after a stroke. An evaluation of the biomechanics of the hand allows an accurate identification of the motion arcs of the digital joints. This article includes an assess the prognostic value of the range of motion of the finger joints using an instrumental glove (CyberGlove II®) for the time one week after stroke for UE functional recovery. A prospective, longitudinal, observational study is made with follow-ups at 3-4 days, 1 week, 3 and 6 months of the patients with UE motor impairment. Variables collected included: demographic data, level of stroke severity (NIHSS), deep sensitivity, sphincter incontinence, Fugl Meyer assessment of UE (FM-UE), muscle balance with the Medical Research Council (MRC), muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale) and pre- and post-stroke functional ability (Barthel Index and Modified Rankin Scale).