Designing modified blocks based on Action Research Arm Test: evaluating the recovery potential of upper limb function in stroke patients

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2927

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Action research arm test has advantage in assessment of movement function in stroke patients, especially in complex upper limbs; however, its use is restricted due to the complicated and heavy evaluation tools.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the advantages of the modified blocks of Action Research Arm Test.

METHODS: Forty patients who firstly suffered from stroke within 1 month with Brunnstrom stage III for affected hands were selected. According to whether the patient could grasp larger modified block without counterweight, enrolled patients were divided into a control group (n=20) and an experimental group (n=20). All patients received routine rehabilitation for 4 weeks. The Action Research Arm Test and the grasp subscale were used to assess the motor function of the hemiplegic upper limbs before and after rehabilitation. The Brunnstrom stage for hand was recorded after 4-week rehabilitation. The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and all patients signed the consent form.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Findings from independent sample t-test between the two groups showed that there was no statistical difference in the scores of Action Research Arm Test and grasp subscale between two groups before enrollment (P=0.692, 0.521), whereas the scores of Action Research Arm Test and grasp subscale were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group after 4-week rehabilitation (P=0.008, 0.001). Findings from the paired sample t-test showed that the scores of Action Research Arm Test and grasp subscale after 4-week rehabilitation were significantly higher than those before treatment (P < 0.001). Results of the intragroup chi-square test showed that the Brunnstrom stage for affected hands indicated better recovery in the experimental group than the control group (χ²=4.80, P < 0.05). All these findings reveal that the modified blocks with suitable counterweights can replace the original wooded cubes when using the Action Research Arm Test. The modified block can be used to refine the grasp subscale. The recovery potential of patients can be roughly distinguished according to whether the patients can grasp the larger modified block without counterweight.

Key words: brain, stroke, Action Research Arm Test, modified block, hemiplegia, grasp, movement

CLC Number:

Shao Danli, Xu Xuedi, Gao Xiaoping, Zhang Xu. Designing modified blocks based on Action Research Arm Test: evaluating the recovery potential of upper limb function in stroke patients[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2020, 24(35): 5682-5687.

Figures/Tables 9

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