Factors related to improvement of Action research arm test in stroke patients after stratification for baseline ARAT score

Abstract

To clarify the factors related to the improvement of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) after the stratification for the baseline ARAT score. One hundred eighty-four stroke patients were stratified into three groups based on the total ARAT score before the NEURO treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the improvement of ARAT and other factors. In the severe group, the improvements in FMA-A and C items were significantly associated with those of ARAT. None of the factors in the moderate and mild groups had a significant relationship. In severe group, the treatment designed to improve “shoulder/elbow/forearm” and “finger” function was considered as useful. On the other hand, there would be a divergence between the improvement of motor function and activity level of upper extremities in the moderate and mild group.