The relationship between upper limb function and activities of daily living without the effects of lower limb function: A cross-sectional study. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamamoto, Haruka; Takeda, Kazuya; Koyama, Soichiro; Morishima, Keisuke; Hirakawa, Yuichi; Motoya, Ikuo; Sakurai, Hiroaki; Kanada, Yoshikiyo; Kawamura, Nobutoshi; Kawamura, Mami; Tanabe, Shigeo
• Is Part Of: British journal of occupational therapy. Volume 85:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 360
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: upper limb -- activities of daily living -- stroke -- lower limb -- partial correlation analysis; Occupational therapy -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1177/03080226211030088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-0226

Abstract

Introduction: Upper limb motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) are related in chronic stroke patients. This study investigated this relationship after removal of the influence of motor function of the affected lower limb, which until now has remained unclear. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 53 patients with chronic stroke. Upper and lower limb motor function and ADL were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper (FMA-UL) and lower limbs (FMA-LL) and functional independence measure motor score (FIM-M). To clarify the relationship between FMA-UL and total FIM-M before and after removal of the influence of FMA-LL, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and partial correlation analysis were used. The relationship between FMA-UL and each item of FIM-M after removal of the influence of FMA-LL was assessed using partial correlation analysis. Results: Before the influence of FMA-LL was removed, FMA-UL was moderately to well correlated with total FIM-M. This became weak after the influence was removed. Regarding each item of FIM-M, FMA-UL was correlated with dressing (upper body), toileting, and walking or wheelchair after removal of the influence. Conclusion: The relationship between upper limb motor function and ADL is strongly influenced by lower limb motor function.