Potential contributing factors to upper limb associated reactions in people with acquired brain injury: an exploratory study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine which potential contributing factors are associated with upper limb associated reaction (AR) expression in individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Methods: Forty-two participants underwent three-dimensional motion analysis at self-selected walking speed to generate the AR outcome measure, quantifying their upper limb kinematic deviation compared to healthy controls. Clinical assessment included: upper and lower limb hypertonicity, spasticity and strength, balance, dynamic walking stability, arm and leg function, anxiety, arm pain/discomfort, and fear of falling. Results: Significant, moderate-to-strong correlations (r = 0.42–0.74, p < 0.05) existed between upper l..