J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2000 Feb;24(1):8-13.

Effects of Unilateral Brain Damage on Ipsilateral Upper Extremity Function in Hemiplegia

• Kim HW
• Ko YJ
• Kang SY
• Suh SS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to determine the effect of unilateral brain lesion on hand strength and dexterity of ipsilateral side in hemiplegic patients and the change of strength and dexterity of ipsilateral hand after rehabilitation according to the side of brain lesion. METHOD: Sixty four hemiplegic patients with unilateral brain lesion underwent hand function tests for the ipsilateral hand to the brain lesion. Grip strength, tip pinch, lateral pinch, and palmar pinch strength were measured, and Purdue pegboard test was performed. Results were compared with a group of forty age-matched healthy volunteers.
RESULTS
There was significant decrement of hand strength and dexterity of ipsilateral side except grip strength in patients with unilateral brain lesion in the begining of rehabilitation compared with the controls. Hand strength and dexterity of ipsilateral hand was significantly improved after rehabilitation. There was no significant difference in hand strength and dexterity of ipsilateral side according to the side of hemispheric lesion.
CONCLUSION
Ipsilateral upper extremity function in hemiplegic patients may also be affected adversely, and therefore rehabilitation treatment for ipsilateral upper extremity function should be involved.

Keyword

Unilateral brain damage; Ipsilateral hand function

MeSH Terms

Brain*
Hand
Hand Strength
Healthy Volunteers
Hemiplegia*
Humans
Pinch Strength
Rehabilitation
Upper Extremity*