The objective of the study was to examine the relationships between measures of elbow flexor impairment using TSRT and μ, and clinical scores of spasticity and motor function. We hypothesized that TSRT and μ would be related to clinical spasticity and motor impairment scores in patients with acute and chronic stroke.
TSRT, μ and clinical data of the resistance to passive movement (Modified Ashworth Scale) and motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity) of the upper limb were collected in 120 patients. Relationships between variables were determined using simple correlations and multiple regression analyses.
TSRT and μ explained 72.0% of the variance in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity describing only in-synergy and out-of-synergy movements and reflex function. TSRT explained 68.7% of the variance in the total score of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity.
This study shows for the first time, a significant relationship between deficits in TSRT regulation and μ with upper limb motor impairment after stroke in patients in the acute and chronic phases of stroke.
TSRT and μ may be valuable clinical biomarkers of sensorimotor impairment for monitoring spontaneous or treatment-induced motor recovery.
biomarkers
clinical implications
