Background: A stroke can be well-defined as an unexpected or sudden onset, focal neurological deficit that lasts for greater than 24 hours and is caused by an interruption of the blood supply of the brain. It is divided into a hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
The trunk acts as proximal support with which limbs execute smooth and purposeful movement. Furthermore, as upper extremity functions are an integral component of daily living activities, exploring the association between trunk and upper extremity recovery will guide therapists in developing appropriate rehabilitation goals and interventions.
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the association between trunk and upper extremity recovery in the subacute stroke population and (2) assess the effect of trunk control on upper extremity impairment and BMI and Post stroke duration of stroke as mediators using mediation analysis in subacute stroke individuals.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 70 subacute ischemic stroke patients, predominantly male, with an average age of 41.30. Trunk control was measured using the Trunk Impairment Scale, while upper limb recovery was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity and the Wolf Motor Function Test. Mediation analyses and statistical tests were conducted to understand the influence of BMI and post-stroke duration on the relationship between trunk control and upper limb recovery.
Results. The present study concluded that TIS exhibited positive correlations with the FMA-UE which is 0.001, WMFT-functional ability scale (FAS) which is < 0.05 and insignificant correlation with WMFT-time scale (TS) which is > 0.5. The mediation analysis reported a profound mediation effect of post-stroke duration on the association of trunk and upper limb recovery. Body mass index and post-stroke duration shown mediate the significant association between the trunk and upper limb recovery with Motor function test ability Score.
Conclusion: The study concluded that trunk control significantly correlates with upper limb impairment and motor function during subacute stroke recovery. BMI and post-stroke duration mediate this association, suggesting the need for tailored rehabilitation strategies based on these factors to optimize recovery outcomes.
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