A Study to Find Correlation of Grip Strength and Coordination on Upper Extremity Functions in Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death and the most common cause of disability among adults. Nearly 1/3 of the total population suffering from stroke will have some residual upperextremity impairment which will cause a barrier in their daily functional activities, and hand is the most important part of upper extremity for functional activities. These functional activities are affected by many factors including coordination and weakness. Thus correlation between grip strength and coordination, with upper extremity functions is evaluated.

Objective: To correlate grip strength and co-ordination with upper extremity functions in stroke patient.

Method: 100 patients were taken for the study where grip strength with hand held dynamometer, and coordination with SFNT (Standard Finger Nose Test) of affected extremity were checked at the time of discharge, and the functional outcome of the same was measured with ARAT 3 months after discharge. In between patient was given conventional physiotherapy treatment.

Results: Sample size of 100 patients was taken from which 30% were females and 70% were males. The mean and standard deviation of grip strength and ARAT were 7.00 ± 1.66, 28.68 ± 8.63 respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was .78 which was statistically significant at P value

Conclusion: The study concluded that the grip strength and coordination are directly correlated with the upper extremity functions in stroke patient.