Article

We determined (1) whether active range of motion (AROM) of shoulder
flexion and wrist extension measured at the initial therapy evaluation in the
acute hospital predicted upper-extremity (UE) motor function 3 mo after stroke
and (2) whether the presence of nonmotor impairments influenced this prediction.
METHOD. We collected AROM data from 50 people with stroke during their initial
acute hospital therapy evaluation and UE motor function data 3 mo later. Multiple
regression techniques determined the predictive ability of initial AROM on later
UE motor function. RESULTS. Initial AROM explained 28% of the variance in UE
motor function 3 mo poststroke. Nonmotor deficits did not contribute to the
variance. CONCLUSION. Compared with later AROM measurements, initial values did
not adequately predict UE motor function 3 mo after stroke. Clinicians should use
caution when informing clients of UE functional prognosis in the early days after
stroke.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS