Assessment of the Ipsilesional Hand Function in Stroke Survivors: The Effect of Lesion Side.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the side of brain lesion on the ipsilesional hand function of stroke survivors.

Methods: Twenty-four chronic stroke survivors, equally allocated in 2 groups according to the side of brain lesion (right or left), and 12 sex- and age-matched healthy controls performed the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), the maximum power grip strength (PwGS) test, and the maximum pinch grip strength (PnGS) test. Only the ipsilesional hand of the stroke survivors and both hands (left and right) of the controls were assessed.

Results: PwGS max and PnGS max were similar among all tested groups. Performances in JTHFT and 9HPT were affected by the brain injury. Individuals with left brain damage showed better performance in 9HPT than individuals with right brain damage, but performance in JTHFT was similar.

Conclusions: Individuals after a brain injury have the capacity to produce maximum strength preserved when using their ipsilesional hand. However, the dexterity of their hands and digits is affected, in particular for stroke individuals with right brain lesion.