Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 184-190
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260514
Association Between Upper Limb Synergy Patterns and Functional Independence in Post-Stroke Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Shamji Kalsariya1, Dr. Kaushik Patel2, Harshal Patel3, Dr. Sweta Upadhyay4, Kruti Desai5
1Tutor, Department of Physiotherapy, NAMO College of Allied health Sciences Silvassa, Veer Narmad South Gujrat University, DNH&DD, India
2Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, NAMO College of Allied health Sciences Silvassa, Veer Narmad South Gujrat University, DNH&DD, India
3Tutor, Department of Physiotherapy, NAMO College of Allied health Sciences Silvassa, Veer Narmad South Gujrat University, DNH&DD, India.
4Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, NAMO College of Allied health Sciences Silvassa, Veer Narmad South Gujrat University, DNH&DD, India
5Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, NAMO College of Allied health Sciences Silvassa, Veer Narmad South Gujrat University, DNH&DD, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Kaushik Patel
ABSTRACT
Background: post-stroke motor impairment frequently presents as abnormal upper limb synergy patterns, limiting selective voluntary control and reducing functional use of the affected limb. These impairments significantly restrict activities of daily living (ADLs) and overall independence in stroke survivors.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate upper limb synergy patterns and determine their association with functional independence in post-stroke patients. A total of 60 clinically diagnosed stroke patients (mean age: 58.4 ± 10.6 years) were included. Upper limb motor function and synergy patterns were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), while functional independence was evaluated using the Barthel Index (BI). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation tests based on data distribution.
Results: Flexor synergy predominance was observed in 68.3% of participants, indicating a higher prevalence of flexor-dominant movement patterns. The mean FMA-UE score was 38.6 ± 14.2, reflecting moderate motor impairment, and the mean BI score was 61.4 ± 18.7, indicating moderate functional independence. A statistically significant moderate-to-strong positive correlation was found between FMA-UE and BI scores (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), suggesting that improved upper limb motor control is associated with better performance in ADLs.
Conclusion: Upper limb synergy patterns are significantly associated with functional independence in post-stroke patients. Reduction of abnormal synergy patterns and improvement in selective motor control are crucial for enhancing ADL performance and promoting functional independence.
Keywords: Stroke; Motor Recovery; Activities of Daily Living; Upper Extremity; Rehabilitation
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