Bimanual Coordination Deficits Among Patients with Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Middle cerebral artery stroke is the most common type of ischemic stroke. MCA stroke results in the motor impairments of the affected upper limb, which can lead to the disruption of the bimanual hand coordination and increase limitations in activities of daily living.
Objective: To determine bimanual coordination deficits among patients with Middle cerebral artery stroke.
Methodology: 70 patients were selected according to inclusion criteria (Middle cerebral artery stroke, 4 months post stroke, age ranging from 30 to 60 years. Exclusion criteria included the stroke of any other artery, fractures, or other pathologies affecting the upper limb function, pain, and discomfort while doing the tasks. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Bimanual coordination was determined by using the ABILHAND Questionnaire. The study was done using non-probability convenience sampling. The sample size is limited to 70 participants because of the strict eligibility criteria (chronic MCA stroke, Brannstrom ≥4). While it limits external generalizability, enhances the internal validity, limits the homogeneity and allows the focused profiling of the persistent bimanual deficits. The findings will be preliminary, however clinically indicative within the context of similar tertiary care.
Results: The study assessed the bimanual coordination in 70 patients with the middle cerebral artery stroke via using the ABILHAND questionnaire. The findings revealed the mean score of 18.9 ± 10.7, markedly below the standard values, indicating the significant deficits. Tasks which required fine bimanual dexterity were perceived as most difficult, while the simpler, unimanual-sequence tasks were rated as easier. The results highlighted the substantial limitations in the self-perceived daily hand activities, underscoring need for the targeted rehabilitation strategies.
Conclusion: Bimanual coordination deficits were present in patients with Middle cerebral artery stroke, as a mean of the total score of the ABILHAND Questionnaire was lower.
Keywords: ABILHAND, Bimanual coordination, Middle Cerebral Artery, Stroke
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