What is the functional outcome for the upper limb after stroke?

The Motor Assessment Scale (MAS) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) are commonly used in Australian rehabilitation centres but there have been few systematic studies using them to measure recovery after stroke, especially with regard to upper limb function. The aims of this study were to provide a profile of upper limb recovery in a non-surgical stroke population using measures of impairment and disability. The records of 153 subjects were audited for upper limb MAS sub-scores, the FIM sub-score for upper body dressing, and the total FIM score at admission and discharge from rehabilitation. Significant improvement occurred for all outcome measures. There was no relationship between the MAS scores and the functional task of upper body dressing. The results emphasize the importance of using outcome measures that assess both impairment and disability, and indicate that substantial improvements in upper limb function frequently occur after stroke. Although the MAS has limitations, it is a valuable tool for measuring upper limb outcome after stroke because it provides a more accurate profile of true upper limb recovery than the FIM.