Improvements in upper extremity isometric muscle strength, dexterity, and self-care independence during the sub-acute phase of stroke recovery: an observational study on the effects of intensive comprehensive rehabilitation.

Background: Stroke often impairs upper extremity motor function, with recovery in the sub-acute phase being crucial for regaining independence. This study examines changes in isometric muscle strength, dexterity, and self-care independence during this period, and evaluates the effects of a comprehensive intensive rehabilitation (COMIRESTROKE).

Methods: Individuals in sub-acute stroke recovery and age- and sex-matched controls were assessed for pre- and post-rehabilitation differences in primary outcomes (grip/pinch strength, Nine Hole Peg Test [NHPT], Action Research Arm Test [ARAT]). COMIRESTROKE's effects on primary and secondary outcomes (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS], Modified Rankin Scale [MRS], Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed for dominant and non-dominant limbs, both regardless of impairment and with a focus on impaired limbs.

Results: Fifty-two individuals with stroke (NIHSS 7.51 ± 5.71, age 70.25 ± 12.66 years, 21.36 ± 12.06 days post-stroke) and forty-six controls participated. At baseline, individuals with stroke showed significantly lower strength (dominant grip, key pinch, tip-tip pinch, p _adj < 0.05), higher NHPT scores (p _adj < 0.05), and lower ARAT scores (p _adj < 0.001). COMIRESTROKE led to improvements in dominant key pinch, non-dominant tip-tip pinch, NHPT, and both dominant and non-dominant ARAT (p _adj < 0.05). Notably, non-dominant key pinch improved significantly when considering only impaired hands. Pre- and post-test differences between groups were significant only for ARAT (both limbs), even after adjustment (p _adj < 0.05). All secondary outcomes (NIHSS, MRS, FIM) showed significant improvement post-COMIRESTROKE (p _adj < 0.001).

Conclusion: Individuals with stroke exhibit reduced muscle strength and dexterity, impairing independence. However, comprehensive intensive rehabilitation significantly improves these functions. Data are available from the corresponding author upon request and are part of a sub-study of NCT05323916.