Are biomechanical strategies to perform functional activities different between individuals with subacute and chronic stroke?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if the capacity to perform functional mobility activities change within the first year post-stroke using the Timed "Up and Go" Assessment of Biomechanical Strategies (TUG-ABS).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with thirty-eight stroke individuals. A motion analysis system was used during the Timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test to evaluate the following activities: sit-to-stand, gait, turn, and stand-to-sit. Kinematic variables related to each activity were obtained in addition to TUG-ABS scores. The ability to perform the activities was compared between subacute (up to 3 months post-stroke, n = 21) and chronic participants (4 to 12 months post-stroke, n = 17) using Mann-Whitney U tests (α= 5%).

RESULTS

Results were expressed as median difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). TUG-ABS scores: Sit-to-stand (MD = 0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 1), gait (MD = 0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 1), stand-to-sit (MD = 0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 1), and total score (MD = 2.0, 95% CI = 0.0 to 6) were not different between groups. Subacute participants presented significant better scores during turn activity (MD = 2.0, 95% CI 0.0 to 2.0). All kinematic variables were not different between participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Capacity to perform functional activities was not different within the first year post-stroke, suggesting that biomechanical strategies are developed within the first three months following stroke.