Recovery of upper limb function is greatest early after stroke but does continue to improve during the chronic phase: a two-year, observational study

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate upper limb (UL) capacity and performance from <14-days to 24-months post stroke. Design: Longitudinal study of participants with acute stroke, assessed ≤14-days, 6-weeks, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months post stroke. Setting: Two acute stroke units. Main outcome measures: Examination of UL capacity using Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment (combined arm and hand scores, 0–14), performance using Motor Activity Log (amount of movement and quality of movement, scored 0–5), and grip strength (kg) using Jamar dynamometer. Random effects regression models were performed to explore the change in outcomes at each time point. Routine clinical imaging was used to describe stroke ..