Normative Data of Fugl Meyer Assessment on Upper Extremity in Post Stroke Population

Abstract

Background: Stroke is clinically diagnosed as an acute, localized neurological impairment that is caused by vascular damage (infarction, hemorrhage) to the central nervous system. This main leading cause of demise and dysfunction worldwide resulting in frequent deficit, hemiplegia, which briefly affects upper limb. This multicentered study is the first to provide updated normative reference values for FMA-UE in post stroke adults in wide range of age in Pakistan’s population. Objective: To determine Pakistani normative values of Fugl-Meyer Assessment on upper extremity in post Stroke Population. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study on 1260 post-stroke patients was conducted in various public and private physiotherapy centers of country using Fugl-Meyer Assessment (Upper-Extremity) FMA-UE scale after ethical approval. Hemiplegic survivors of both genders aged 45-75 years were taken using convenience sampling technique, informed consent was taken. Statistics was done using SPSS version25. Results: Patients included were 88.3% ischemic and 11.7% hemorrhagic. 44.1% were in acute phase (less than 2 weeks) while 55.9% were in sub-acute (2 weeks to 6 months) phase. Mean score of FMA-UE was 88.63±30.09. The cutoff score/mean value for motor impairment and sensation was recorded as 41.49 ±19.7 and 8.6±3.9 while passive joint motion and pain were calculated 18.93±5.47 and 19.57±5.1 respectively. Conclusion: The scoring, in acute and subacute phases, accentuate the need to follow Pakistani specific modified norms in Asian inhabitants instead of reference values applicable on western population. Keywords: Fugl-Meyer scale, Hemiplegia, Motor control, Post Stroke, Upper extremity.