A Comparison of Motor Function Between Left And Right Hemispheric Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, with developing countries like Bangladesh bearing a disproportionate burden. In Bangladesh, stroke accounts for 5.71% of health-related deaths, making it the third leading cause of mortality and a significant contributor to disability. Motor impairments, a common consequence of stroke, affect up to 80% of survivors, limiting their ability to perform daily activities and reducing their quality of life. Aim: To identify the comparison of motor function between patients with left and right hemispheric stroke. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 113 stroke survivors receiving outpatient occupational therapy at CRP centers in Savar and Mirpur, Bangladesh. Data were collected using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in motor function recovery between patients with left and right hemispheric strokes (p = 0.628). However, most participants had more difficulty with fine motor tasks, like picking up small objects, than with gross motor tasks, like lifting or moving the arm. The study also found that better cognitive function and longer therapy duration were linked with better motor improvement (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that stroke rehabilitation should focus on fine motor skills and consider each person’s cognitive ability and how long they are in therapy. Conclusion: Stroke laterality does not significantly impact motor recovery. Cognitive function and sustained therapy play crucial roles in rehabilitation. Most patients had more difficulty with fine motor tasks than gross motor tasks. So, therapy should focus more on improving hand movements and finger control for better daily functioning. Keywords: Stroke, Motor function, Left hemisphere, Right hemisphere, Rehabilitation, Cognitive function, Bangladesh