188 The Use of a Group Based Upper Limb Programme in Improving Outcome in Acute Stroke Rehabilitation. (16th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donnelly, Kerri; Mulcahy, Enya; Merrick, Catherine; Fitzgerald, Orla
• Is Part Of: Age and ageing. Volume 48(2019)Supplement 3
• Page Start: iii17
• Page End: iii65
• Publication Date: 2019-09-16
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afz103.111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0729

Abstract

Abstract: Background: After a stroke 85% of patients experience altered arm function. Current research demonstrates that increasing upper limb rehabilitation results in improved outcomes (Ward et al., 2019). The Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Programme (GRASP) group is an established adjunctive therapy in the stroke service. The group provides additional therapy for suitable patients with upper extremity deficits. The group is run jointly by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist. Patients attend twice weekly for a one hour period in addition to their regular therapy. The GRASP group consists of 3 levels of varying abilities and patients are categorised by their Fugl-Meyer score. Methods: A prospective audit was completed in 2019 and data was collected using a word document and excel spread sheet. Standardised outcome measures were completed on admission and discharge to establish upper limb ability. The primary outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer and the secondary outcome measures were the nine hole peg test and grip strength using the Dynamometer. Results: 12 patients attended the GRASP group over this period. 75% were males. The average age was 76 years with the age range from 48-95 years. 58% of patients experienced upper limb weakness in their non-dominant hand. Post intervention data was not obtained for 5 patients due to unforeseeable discharge from the acute setting. Preliminary data to date shows that our primary outcome measure improved in 86% of patients with increases ranging from 2-11 points on the Fugl-Meyer score (Minimally Clinical Important Difference =5points). Our secondary outcome measures demonstrated patients had no change (28%) or an improvement (72%) in grip strength and 100% of patients improved on the time taken to complete the nine hole peg test. Conclusion: The GRASP group was found to be effective in improving upper limb outcome measures in an acute stroke inpatient hospital setting.