Hemiplegic limb synergies in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the extent to which the voluntary movements of hemiparetic stroke patients are restricted to the hemiplegic limb synergies (which are marked by the inability to master individual joint movements) described by Brunnström. The study also aimed to describe the extent to which the synergies are related to functioning.

DESIGN

In a prospective observational study design, 64 consecutive hemiparetic stroke patients were assessed with Brunnström's hemiplegic limb synergies, the modified Ashworth scale for spasticity, the Rivermead mobility index, and the Barthel ADL index.

RESULTS

Three months after stroke, 8 of the 64 patients were moving completely or partly within the synergies. All patients whose movements were restricted to the synergies also exhibited spasticity. Hemiparetic patients whose movements were restricted to the synergies had significantly worse functioning scores than hemiparetic patients whose movements were not restricted to the synergies although severe disabilities were seen in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Three months after stroke, the voluntary movements of only 13% of hemiparetic stroke patients were restricted to the synergies. The synergies were associated with spasticity and activity limitations. The use of the synergies might only be suitable for a small fraction of hemiparetic patients-namely, those displaying spasticity.