Correlates of recovery of upper extremity function in the acute phase post stroke

Abstract

Despite its importance in activities of daily living, little research has been done on the recovery of upper extremity (UE) function in acute stroke. The objectives of this prospective study were to quantify the recovery of UE function during the first five weeks post-stroke; to compare the recovery of UE function with the recovery of lower extremity (LE) function; and to identify predictors of recovery of UE function.Fifty-five first-time stroke patients were evaluated using measures of UE and LE function at the first and fifth week post-stroke. Standardized response means were used to compare the recovery of UE and LE. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of UE function. There was no evidence that the recovery of the UE was different from that of the LE. Measures of UE function at the first week post-stroke were the most important predictors of UE function one month post-stroke