Ipsilesional upper limb performance in stroke individuals: relationship among outcomes of different tests used to assess hand function

Author(s)

Bianca Pinto Cunha ^[1] ; Sandra Maria Sbeghen Ferreira de Freitas ^[2] ; Viviana Van Den Berg de Menezes ^[3] ; Paulo Barbosa de Freitas ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Cidade de São Paulo - Brasil

^[3] Universidade Cidade de São Paulo - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Fisioter. mov.; v. 29, n. 3, p. 561-568, 2016-09-00.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Stroke individuals have sensorimotor repercussions on their ipsilesional upper limb. Therefore, it is important to use tests that allow an adequate assessment and follow-up of such deficits. Physical and occupational therapists commonly use maximal grip strength tests to assess the functional condition of stroke individuals. However, one could ask whether a single test is able to characterize the hand function in this population. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among outcomes of different tests frequently used to describe the function of the hand in the ipsilesional upper limb of stroke individuals. Methods: Twenty-two stroke individuals performed four hand function tests: maximal handgrip strength (HGSMax), maximal pinch grip strength (PGSMax), Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) and Nine Hole Peg Test (9-HPT). All tests were performed with the ipsilesional hand. Pearson's correlation analyses were performed. Results: the results indicated a moderate and positive relationship between HGSMax and JTHFT (r = 0.50) and between JTHFT and 9-HPT (r = 0.55). Conclusion: We conclude that the existence of only moderate relationships between test outcomes demonstrates the need to use at least two instruments to better describe the ipsilesional hand function of stroke individuals. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/24426-4 - Hand function in post-stroke individuals: effect of lesion side
• Grantee: Bianca Pinto Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate