Correlative study between attention deficits and upper extremity motor dysfunction after stroke

Abstract

Background/aim: Motor dysfunction is one of the major byproducts of stroke; however, another domain that is severely affected yet mostly neglected is cognition. It is not certain yet whether a relationship between cognitive impairment (attention) and upper-limb motor impairment is present. The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between attention deficits with upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke. Material and methods: Sixty stroke survivors were recruited in this correlational study. Upper limb motor function was evaluated by the Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI). Attention deficits were evaluated by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). For correlation, data were imported into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 20.0). A result was considered statistically significant when p was <0.05. Chi-Square testΧ² was used to test the association variables for categorical data. Results: There was significant correlation between Mini Mental State Examination with motor functions MMSE with ULFI (r=.295*, p=.022). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between attention deficits and motor dysfunction of the upper extremities in patients after stroke.