Muscle strength and stiffness of elbow muscles: correlation with upper limb motor functions in people with chronic stroke

Authors

  • Shamay S.M. Ng Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Peiming Chen Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Shun Hei Choi Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Tung Ji Lam Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Hei Yee Lau Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Hing Ki Lau Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Ho Yeung Law Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Desmond Y.W. Lam Physiotherapy Clinic, Hong Kong, China (SAR)
  • Cynthia Y.Y. Lai Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v57.44075

Keywords:

stroke, upper limb, assessment tool

Abstract

Objective: To (i) quantify elbow flexor and extensor strength and stiffness in people with stroke; (ii) compare affected and unaffected sides; (iii) compare stroke survivors and healthy older adults; and (iv) examine correlations between muscle properties, motor control, and ADLs.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: 65 stroke survivors and 31 healthy older adults.

Methods: Elbow muscle strength and stiffness (biceps and triceps) were assessed bilaterally by Myoton PRO. Stroke participants also completed the Fugl-Meyer Assessment–Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and Oxford Participation and Activity Questionnaire (OxPAQ).

Results: Stroke participants had significantly weaker elbow muscles on the affected side (p < 0.001) than the unaffected side, but stiffness did not differ significantly. Compared with healthy adults, stroke participants showed reduced strength but similar stiffness. Weak to moderate correlations were found between muscle strength and FMA-UE, ARAT, and DASH (ρ = 0.336–0.613), but not with OxPAQ. Weak negative correlations were found between biceps stiffness and motor function (FMA, ARAT) (ρ = –0.343 to –0.397), and a weak negative correlation between triceps stiffness and OxPAQ emotional well-being (ρ = –0.313).

Conclusion: Stroke survivors have reduced elbow strength but similar stiffness compared with the healthy elderly. Strength correlates moderately with upper limb function; stiffness shows inconsistent associations.

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Published

2025-10-27

How to Cite

Ng, S. S., Chen, P., Choi, S. H., Lam, T. J., Lau, H. Y., Lau, H. K., … Lai, C. Y. (2025). Muscle strength and stiffness of elbow muscles: correlation with upper limb motor functions in people with chronic stroke. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 57, jrm44075. https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v57.44075

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Vol. 57 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Shamay S.M. Ng, Peiming Chen, Shun Hei Choi, Tung Ji Lam, Hei Yee Lau, Hing Ki Lau, Ho Yeung Law, Desmond Y.W. Lam, Cynthia Y.Y. Lai

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