Smania et al used active finger extension to predict the recovery of arm function following a stroke. This can help to identify a patient who may require more aggressive management. The authors are from the University of Verona, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation Rome and Maggiore Hospital in Verona.
Days of evaluation: 7, 14, 90 and 180 days after the stroke
Exam: active extension of second, third, fourth and fifth fingers done simultaneously
Performance
Points
normal muscle power
5
mild reduction in power
4
moderate reduction in power
3
moderate to marked reduction
2
very weak muscle contraction
1
absence of muscle contractions
0
Interpretation:
• A score of 4 or 5 was associated with a high probability of a good performance on the Motricity Index.
• A score of 4 or 5 on day 7 had an OR of 19.5 for a good score on the Motricity Index.
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