Article

The majority of stroke survivors have to cope with deficits in arm
function, which is often measured with subjective clinical scales. The objective of this study is to examine whether circle drawing metrics are suitable objective
outcome measures for measuring upper extremity function of stroke survivors.
METHODS: Stroke survivors (n = 16) and healthy subjects (n = 20) drew circles, as
big and as round as possible, above a table top. Joint angles and positions were
measured. Circle area and roundness were calculated, and synergistic movement
patterns were identified based on simultaneous changes of the elevation angle and
elbow angle. RESULTS: Stroke survivors had statistically significant lower values
for circle area, roundness and joint excursions, compared to healthy subjects.
Stroke survivors moved significantly more within synergistic movement patterns,
compared to healthy subjects. Strong correlations between the proximal upper
extremity part of the Fugl-Meyer scale and circle area, roundness, joint
excursions and the use of synergistic movement patterns were found. CONCLUSIONS:
The present study showed statistically significant differences in circle area,
roundness and the use of synergistic movement patterns between healthy subjects
and stroke survivors. These circle metrics are strongly correlated to stroke
severity, as indicated by the proximal upper extremity part of the FM score.In
clinical practice, circle area and roundness can give useful objective
information regarding arm function of stroke survivors.
In a research setting,
outcome measures addressing the occurrence of synergistic movement patterns can
help to increase understanding of mechanisms involved in restoration of post
stroke upper extremity function.

Langue : ANGLAIS