Self-perceived upper extremity motor function predicts health-related quality of life in chronic stroke survivors

Purpose: To examine whether the Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI) score independently contributes to the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) score and quantified its relative contribution to SIS scores in chronic stroke survivors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study in a university-based rehabilitation centre with people with chronic stroke (N = 95) aged ≥ 50 years. The outcome measures included paretic hand grip strength, Fugl–Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), UEFI, and SIS. Results: Correlation analysis revealed that paretic hand grip strength, FMA-UE, UEFI, and WMFT scores exhibited a significant moderate positive correlation with SIS scores (r = 0.544–0.687, p < 0.001). The results of a regression model indicated that after adjustment for demographic factors and stroke-related impairments, the UEFI scores remained independently associated with SIS scores, accounting for 18.8% of the variance. The entire model explained 60.3% of the variance in SIS scores. Conclusions: Self-perceived UE motor function is a crucial component to be included in rehabilitation programmes aimed at enhancing quality of life and participation among chronic stroke survivors.