Arm activity

Seventy-two percent of acute stroke patients have upper limb impairment on admission. Recovery of upper limb function plays an important role in activities of daily living. The term 'arm' function describes proximal upper limb (UL) function (i.e. shoulder/elbow), whereas 'hand' function describes distal UL function and coordination (i.e. wrist, hand, and fingers).

Some interventions target people with weak arm function (e.g. external supports, taping, electrical stimulation). Other interventions target people with weak or absent hand function (e.g. orthotics, mirror therapy, electrical stimulation), or with some active wrist and finger movement (e.g. constraint-induced movement therapy). Task-specific training is used on its own or as part of other interventions.

Interventions which target activities of daily living such as eating, drinking and self-care and also involve the upper limb should also be considered (see Activities of daily living). This topic is also connected to Weakness, Loss of sensation and Commencement of rehabilitation.

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.