Positioning the Trunk and Upper Limb to Improve the Coordination of the Hand Movement After Stroke

This study investigated how torso and shoulder positioning can help restore coordinated hand movements in stroke patients.

Stroke patients and healthy subjects were randomly divided into two different groups and tested in different positions. In study group 1, the exercise test consisted of two motor tasks carried out in two different starting positions: sitting and supine. During the first examination, the subject sat on the therapeutic table (without back support), feet resting on the floor (active stabilization of the trunk and shoulder). The upper limb was examined in adduction, with the elbow bent in the intermediate position between pronation and supination of the forearm. In the supine position, the upper limb was held beside the subject's body (adduction in the humeral joint, elbow flexion in the intermediate position; passive stabilization of the trunk and shoulder).

In study group 2, the exercise test again consisted of two motor tasks carried out in two different starting positions: supine with the upper extremity positioned perpendicularly to the trunk (passive stabilization of the trunk, active stabilization of the shoulder), and supine with the upper limb held beside the subject's body (adduction in the humeral joint, elbow flexion in the intermediate position; passive stabilization of the trunk and shoulder).

A manual electronic dynamometer (EH 101) was used for grip strength measurement (error of measurement, 0.5 kg/lb). A Hand Tutor device (composed of a safe and comfortable glove equipped with position and motion sensors, and the Medi Tutor(TM) software) was used to measure the range of passive and active movement (error of measurement, 5 - 10 mm), as well as the speed/frequency of movement (error of measurement, 0,5 cycle/sec.).

First, the range of passive movement in the radial-carpal joint (flexion and extension) and fingers (global flexion and extension) was measured in each position using the Hand Tutor Device. Then the subject made active movements in the same order. Finally, the subject was asked to make moves as quickly and in as full a range as possible. The measurement of grip strength with a dynamometer was performed in each position after the range of motion and speed/frequency tests.

Eligibility Criteria:
Study Group Inclusion Criteria:1) patients with hemiparesis after 5 to 7 weeks after stroke; 2) no severe deficits in communication, memory, or understanding what can impede proper measurement performance; 3) at least 20 years of age.

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Exclusion Criteria: 1) stroke up to 5 weeks after the episode; 2) epilepsy; 3) lack of trunk stability; 4) no wrist and hand movement; 5) high very low blood pressure; 6) dizziness; 7) malaise

Control Group

Inclusion Criteria: 1) the control group consisted of subjects free from the upper extremity motor coordination disorders; 2) at least 20 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria: 1) 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 handgrip; 2) severe deficits in communication, memory, or understanding what can impede proper measurement performance; 3) high very low blood pressure; 4) dizziness; 5) malaise

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