Self-perceived utilization of the paretic arm in chronic stroke requires high upper limb functional ability

Abstract

Objective To explore potential predictors of self-reported paretic arm use at baseline and after task-specific training (TST) in survivors of stroke. Design Data were obtained from a randomized controlled trial of somatosensory stimulation and upper limb TST in chronic stroke. Setting University laboratory. Participants Chronic (>3mo) survivors of stroke (N=33; mean age, 62y; mean stroke duration, 38mo). Interventions Participants received 12 sessions of TST preceded by either active (n=16) or sham (n=17) somatosensory stimulation to all 3 peripheral nerves. Main Outcome Measures Demographic and clinical characteristics were entered stepwise into multiple linear regression analyses to determine the factors that best predict baseline Motor Activity Log (MAL) amount of use rating and change 3 months after TST. Results The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) score predicted the amount of use at baseline (R 2=.47, P