Background: The impact of cognition on ipsilateral hand performance in cortical stroke has been reported in several studies. Cognitive decline is observed in subcortical lesions to an extent that can be compared with cortical lesions. However, few research studies have been conducted on unaffected hand function after subcortical strokes.
Objective: The objective of this study was to elucidate the association between unaffected hand function and cognitive impairment in patients with unilateral subcortical strokes.
Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of 37 patients with subcortical stroke. The unaffected hand function, including grip and pinch strength, Purdue Pegboard finger tapping, and cognitive screening tests, were measured upon admission to the neurorehabilitation unit and then four weeks later at discharge. The relationship between unaffected hand function and cognitive function was investigated with multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: Cognitive function improved significantly at discharge; however, grip strength and dexterity of the unaffected hand were stationary except for three-point pinch, tip pinch strength, and finger tapping speed. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was found to be a significant predictor of unaffected grip strength and manual dexterity at discharge and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score to be a predictive value of the unaffected finger tapping test at discharge.
Conclusions: In subcortical stroke patients with low MoCA and FAB scores, clinicians should ensure that patients participate in rehabilitation therapy including bimanual activity with careful attention to the patient's unaffected hand function. |
