Upper-Limb Functional Recovery in Chronic Stroke Patients after COVID-19-Interrupted Rehabilitation: An Observational Study

1Citations
Citations of this article
10Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Upper-limb function of chronic stroke patients declined when outpatient rehabilitation was interrupted and outings restricted, owing to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic. We investigated whether these patients recovered upper-limb function post-resumption of outpatient rehabilitation. Methods: In this observational study, 43 chronic stroke hemiparesis patients with impaired upper extremity function were scored for limb function via the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) after a structured interview, evaluation, and intervention. Scores at 6 and 3 months pre- and 3 months post-rehabilitation interruption were examined retrospectively; scores immediately and at 3 and 6 months post-resumption of care were examined prospectively. The amount of change for each time period and an analysis of covariance were performed with time as a factor, changes in the FMA-UE and the ARAT scores as dependent variables, and statistical significance at 5%. Results: The time of evaluation significantly impacted the total score, as well as part C and part D of FMA-UE and total, pinch, and gross movement of the ARAT. Post-hoc tests showed that the magnitude of change in limb-function scores from immediately to 3 months post-resumption was significantly higher than the change from 3 months pre- to immediately post-interruption for the total score and part D of the FMA-UE, as well as grip and gross movement of the ARAT (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Upper-limb functional decline in chronic stroke patients, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic-related therapy interruption and outing restrictions, was resolved approximately 3 months post-resumption of rehabilitation therapy. Our data can serve as reference standards for planning and evaluating treatment for chronic stroke patients with inactivity-related impaired upper-limb function.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Sakamoto, D., Hamaguchi, T., Nakayama, Y., Hada, T., & Abo, M. (2024). Upper-Limb Functional Recovery in Chronic Stroke Patients after COVID-19-Interrupted Rehabilitation: An Observational Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13082212

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free