Article

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and summarize the current available
literature on prognostic variables relating to upper limb recovery following
stroke. To identify which, if any variables predict upper limb recovery following
stroke. DATA SOURCES: We completed searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and
Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Searches were completed in November 2010.
METHODS: Studies were included if predictor variables were measured at baseline
and linked to an outcome of upper limb recovery at a future time point. Exclusion
criteria included predictor variables relating to response to treatment and
outcome measurements of very specific upper limb impairments such as spasticity
or pain. Two independent reviewers completed data extraction and assessed study
quality. RESULTS: Fifty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Predictor
variables which have been considered within these studies include; age, sex,
lesion site, initial motor impairment, motor-evoked potentials and
somatosensory-evoked potentials. Initial measures of upper limb impairment and
function were found to be the most significant predictors of upper limb recovery;
odds ratio 14.84 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 9.08-24.25) and 38.62 (95% CI
8.40-177.53), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Interpretation of these results is
complicated by methodological factors including variations in study populations,
upper limb motor outcome scales, timing of baseline and outcome assessments and
predictors selected. The most important predictive factors for upper limb
recovery following stroke appears to the initial severity of motor impairment or function.

Langue : ANGLAIS