The Evolution of Hand Proprioceptive and Motor Impairments in the Sub-Acute Phase After Stroke

Abstract

Background Hand proprioception is essential for fine movements and therefore many activities of daily living. Although frequently impaired after stroke, it is unclear how hand proprioception evolves in the sub-acute phase and whether it follows a similar pattern of changes as motor impairments. Objective This work investigates whether there is a corresponding pattern of changes over time in hand proprioception and motor function as comprehensively quantified by a combination of robotic, clinical, and neurophysiological assessments. Methods Finger proprioception (position sense) and motor function (force, velocity, range of motion) were evaluated using robotic assessments at baseline (<3 months after stroke) and up to 4 weeks later (discharge). Clinical assessments (among others, Box & Block Test [BBT]) as well as Somatosensory/Motor Evoked Potentials (SSEP/MEP) were additionally performed. Results Complete datasets from 45 participants post-stroke were obtained. For 42% of all study participants proprioception and motor function had a dissociated pattern of changes (only 1 function considerably improved). This dissociation was either due to the absence of a measurable impairment in 1 modality at baseline, or due to a severe lesion of central somatosensory or motor tracts (absent SSEP/MEP). Better baseline BBT correlated with proprioceptive gains, while proprioceptive impairment at baseline did not correlate with change in BBT. Conclusions Proprioception and motor function frequently followed a dissociated pattern of changes in sub-acute stroke. This highlights the importance of monitoring both functions, which could help to further personalize therapies.