Examining the Rate of Recovery Across Movement Parameters Post-Stroke
Date
2023-06
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Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Following a stroke, many individuals suffer from upper limb motor impairment which can hinder their ability to complete daily tasks. It has been suggested that recovery of the upper limb is greatest within the first three months post-stroke, as measured by clinical scores, after which recovery reaches a plateau. Kinematic measures of motor recovery however suggest that recovery is not only greatest within the first six weeks post-stroke, but continues well beyond the suggested three month plateau. Further, data from our lab suggests that certain spatial and temporal movement parameters may show different patterns of recovery. The purpose of this thesis was to examine patterns of spatial and temporal motor recovery in subacute stroke survivors using a Kinarm robotic exoskeleton. Chapter Two of this thesis is comprised of a manuscript which details this project. Our results suggest that the greatest recovery in spatial and temporal parameters of movement occurs within 1- to 6-weeks post-stroke. Additionally, spatial and temporal movement parameters appear to follow similar patterns of motor recovery overall. With a better understanding of motor recovery post-stroke, therapists can tailor rehabilitation practices to ensure movement parameters are targeted at the appropriate time, allowing patients to achieve better recovery outcomes.
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Keywords
Stroke, Subacute, Motor recovery, Spatial parameters, Temporal parameters
Citation
Cowan-Nelson, E. (2023). Examining the rate of recovery across movement parameters post-stroke (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.