Abstract DP248: Hand Grip Strength Predicts Long-Term Functional Outcomes After Stroke

Background: Hand motor function is central to human existence, including ADLs, social interactions, and communication. Persistent hand motor deficits are common after stroke, however their relationship with functional outcomes has received limited study. In healthy elderly subjects, stronger hand grip strength (HGS) is firmly linked with less disability, depression, and cognitive impairment. We tested the hypothesis that HGS 3-mo post-stroke predicts global disability, depression, and cognitive impairment 12-mo post-stroke. Methods: Patients with stroke were studied longitudinally across 28 US sites. Live exam at 3-mo included HGS via Jamar dynamometer. The 12-mo exam (by phone) included modified Rankin Scale (mRS), PHQ8 depression, medication review, and telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (tMoCA). Models used HGS ratio (paretic/nonparetic) at 3-mo as the independent variable; and age, gender, stroke subtype (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic), and side of paresis as covariates. Results: There were 376 subjects: age 61.7+/-15.2 yr (mean+/-SD), 41.2% female, 82.2% ischemic, 39.9% R-side paretic. At 3-mo, HGS ratio = 0.77+/-0.35, with 58.4% having significant hand weakness. At 12-mo, PHQ8=5.9+/-5.6, tMoCA=16.9+/-4.0, median mRS=2, and 30.0% were taking an antidepressant. Stronger HGS at 3 mo post-stroke predicted the following at 12 mo: [1] better global function, i.e., lower mRS score (OR 14.3, 95% CI 7.8 to 26.8; p