Function and biomechanics of upper limb in post-stroke patients - a systematic review

Abstract

Current clinical services are struggling to provide the most favorable rehabilitation treatment for patients with stroke, which inspired researchers to investigate and explore the use of rehabilitation devices suitable for the patients and rehabilitation therapy. This review paper addresses the importance of biomechanical features in patients who experienced stroke to the upper limb. First and foremost, a review was done on general biomechanical description associated with motor control, shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers joint. This included the ability of the patients to move their affected arm and the affect on peak joint torque, range of motion, joint forces, grip strength and muscle activities during the activities of daily living. In addition, we also reviewed the material properties and geometrical condition of tissue in stroke patient. The repercussions of post-stroke patient regarding the bone density, stiffness of muscle as well as the thickness of cartilage are described in this review. Based on the findings, the movement of affected stroke hand is associated with the motor control and material properties of tissue. To strengthen the motor control and maintaining tissue properties, early physical training on patients should be conducted in two to four weeks after stroke. In conclusion, this report suggests a new approach for future biomechanical studies in order to enhance the quality of physiotherapy rehabilitation peculiarly for post-stroke patients.