Prediction of upper limb function and daily use after stroke

2021.04.23 | Graduate School of Health

On Thursday 27 May at 14.00, Camilla Biering Lundquist defends her PhD dissertation entitled "Prediction of upper limb function and daily use after stroke".

Upper limb (UL) impairment is a frequent consequence of stroke. Stroke survivors with impaired UL often experience subsequent functional limitations affecting activities of daily living. Accurate prediction of UL function can provide patients and therapists with realistic expectations for UL prognosis, help set individual goals for rehabilitation, and may result in more effective utilization of health resources. However, existing prediction models may not be applicable in most rehabilitation settings, due to the fixed time points of the assessments very early after stroke. In this PhD project, it was examined if an existing algorithm, the PREP2 prediction algorithm, could be applied two weeks after stroke to predict upper limb function 3 months after stroke. To be truly meaningful, improvements in UL function should be reflected in improved UL use in daily life. However, prediction of UL use is a new research field, and factors that predict UL use have received little attention.

In this PhD project, a prospective, observational study was conducted to examine prediction of upper limb function and daily use. Further, in a qualitative study, physiotherapists’ and occupational therapists’ perceptions of upper limb prediction models were explored and potential barriers to and facilitators of implementation were identified.

The summary is written by the PhD student.   

The defence is public and takes place at Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and online. Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Camilla Biering Lundquist

Mail: calund@rm.dk 

Phone: (+45) 78 41 90 56

Read full press release