Effects of the Interaction among Motor Functions on Self-care in Individuals with Stroke

Background: No study to date has focused on what combinations of motor functions are strongly associated with self-care independence in individuals with stroke. The purpose of this study is to clarify the impact of motor function interactions on self-care independence in individuals with stroke. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 132 individuals with first stroke. We conducted a decision tree analysis to examine the impact on daily living skills of numerous key functions – the upper and lower limbs on the affected side, bilateral grip strength and lower limb muscle strength on the unaffected side, bilateral upper limb and trunk function, and balance. Further, we confirmed the interaction effects detected via the decision tree approach using logistic regression. Results: As per the decision tree analysis, the interaction between balance and upper limb function of the affected side showed an association with self-care independence. The interaction terms of balance and upper limb function we analyzed were significantly associated with the ability to achieve self-care independence, after some adjustments to eliminate the influence of confounding factors. Conclusions: These results suggest that the combination of functional status of balance and upper limb function of the affected side are strongly associated with the independence of self-care. The decision tree created in this study could serve as an effective guide when implementing a remedial approach for individuals with stroke aiming to achieve self-care independence.