Are biomechanical strategies to perform functional activities different between individuals with subacute and chronic stroke?

• Published in: NeuroRehabilitation (Reading, Mass.) Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 95 - 101
• Main Authors: Ribeiro, Tatiana Souza, de Souza E Silva, Emília Márcia Gomes, de Vasconcellos, Liliane Santos, de Souza, Aline Alves, Lindquist, Ana Raquel Rodrigues
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands IOS Press BV 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Gait; Kinematics; Motor ability; Stroke; neurological rehabilitation; Walking; disability evaluation
• ISSN: 1053-8135; 1878-6448
• DOI: 10.3233/NRE-210027

To evaluate if the capacity to perform functional mobility activities change within the first year post-stroke using the Timed "Up and Go" Assessment of Biomechanical Strategies (TUG-ABS). A cross-sectional study was conducted with thirty-eight stroke individuals. A motion analysis system was used during the Timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test to evaluate the following activities: sit-to-stand, gait, turn, and stand-to-sit. Kinematic variables related to each activity were obtained in addition to TUG-ABS scores. The ability to perform the activities was compared between subacute (up to 3 months post-stroke, n = 21) and chronic participants (4 to 12 months post-stroke, n = 17) using Mann-Whitney U tests (α= 5%). Results were expressed as median difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). TUG-ABS scores: Sit-to-stand (MD = 0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 1), gait (MD = 0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 1), stand-to-sit (MD = 0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 1), and total score (MD = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 6) were not different between groups. Subacute participants presented significant better scores during turn activity (MD = 2.0, 95% CI 0.0 to 2.0). All kinematic variables were not different between participants. Capacity to perform functional activities was not different within the first year post-stroke, suggesting that biomechanical strategies are developed within the first three months following stroke.