Impaired Ipsilateral Upper Extremity Dexterity and Its Relationship with Disability in Post-Stroke Right Hemiparesis

Abstract

Background: The objectives of this study were to compare manual dexterity (gross and fine) and coordination performance of the ipsilateral upper extremity of the right hemisphere stroke patients with the same side of a healthy group, and to determine the relationship of ipsilateral upper extremity dexterity and disability.Methods: In a non-randomized analytical study, 30 individuals with a unilateral first-ever stroke from outpatient rehabilitation clinics and 30 age and sex-matched adults without history of neurological disorders were enrolled. Purdue Pegboard, Box and Block, and Finger to Nose tests were used to measure dexterity (fine and gross) and coordination performance of the stroke group compared with the same hand of the healthy group. The Barthel index was also used to assess disability or dependency of stroke patients in basic activities of daily living.Results: Results showed that stroke individuals with involvement of ipsilateral hand had less coordination and dexterity when compared to the same hand of normal subjects (P=0.001). In addition, the relationship of gross and fine manual dexterity performance of the ipsilateral upper extremity with disability, including dependence in basic activities of daily living, were significant respectively (r=0.376, r= 0.391).Conclusion: People with right stroke had significant ipsilateral upper extremity impairments (manual dexterity and coordination tasks), and this hand dexterity deterioration had an impact on their dependence in basic activities of daily living.