Effects of computerized cognitive training on biomarker responses in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A scoping review.

Background and Aims: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a widespread condition in older individuals, posing significant risk of dementia. However, limited research has been conducted to explore effective interventions and clarify their impact at the neural level. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of computerized cognitive training (CCT) and explore the associated neural mechanisms in preventing dementia in older individuals with MCI, with a view to inform future intervention efforts. Methods: We reviewed the effects of CCT on biomarker outcomes in older adults with MCI. The search was conducted for studies published between 2010 and May 10, 2023, using three search engines: PubMed, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The inclusion criteria were as follows: studies that involved participants diagnosed with MCI, included CCT, included quantitative assessment of biomarker results, and conducted randomized controlled trials. Results: Sixteen studies that used biomarkers, including magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and blood or salivary biomarkers, were extracted. The results showed that CCT caused changes in structure and function within the main brain network, including the default mode network, and decreased both theta rhythm activity on EEG and prefrontal activity on fNIRS, with improvement in cognitive function. Furthermore, CCT combined with physical exercise showed more significant structural and functional changes in extensive brain regions compared with CCT alone. Virtual reality-based cognitive training improved not only executive function but also instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusion: CCT causes functional and structural changes in extensive brain regions and improves cognitive function in older adults with MCI. Our findings highlight the potential of individualized intervention methods and biomarker assessment according to the specific causes of MCI. Future research should aim to optimize these personalized therapeutic strategies to maximize the benefits of CCT in older adults with MCI.

Change of hand sensation and function in patients with malignant lymphoma during early-stage vincristine chemotherapy: A single-center observational study.

This study aimed to investigate changes in hand sensation (finger tactile threshold and two-point discrimination) and function in patients with malignant lymphoma, particularly during the early stages of chemotherapy with vincristine. Eighteen patients with malignant lymphoma were enrolled in this study. Data on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0, the visual analog scale for hand numbness, the Semmes Weinstein monofilament test, static and moving two-point discrimination (2PD), grip strength, pinch strength, and the Purdue Pegboard test were collected at 3 time points: before the start of chemotherapy (T0), after the first cycle of chemotherapy (T1), and after the second cycle of chemotherapy (T2). No significant changes were observed in Semmes Weinstein monofilament test at T0, T1, or T2 in either hand. However, the static 2PD was significantly worse for the right ring, little, and left middle fingers, whereas the moving 2PD was significantly worse for the right ring, left index, middle, and ring fingers. Furthermore, the visual analog scale scores for hand numbness and left-hand grip strength worsened significantly. Right-hand grip strength, pinch strength of both hands, and Purdue Pegboard test showed no significant deterioration. Chemotherapy with vincristine may affect hand sensation and function in patients with malignant lymphoma by exacerbating finger 2PD and hand numbness. Additionally, during the early stages of vincristine chemotherapy, it is important to monitor for a decrease in grip strength specifically in the left hand.

Balance Function Required for Bathing Independence in Patients with Stroke and Hip Fracture.

Objectives: Little attention has been paid to the relationship between balance function and bathing independence. This research aimed to determine the degree of balance function needed by patients with stroke and patients with hip fracture (hereinafter referred to as patients with stroke and hip fracture) to bathe independently. Methods: Retrospective data analysis was performed on 59 patients with hip fracture and 201 patients with stroke. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether bathing independence was associated with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in patients with stroke and hip fracture. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to calculate cutoff values. Results: The BBS was significantly associated with bathing independence in patients with stroke and hip fracture. The calculated BBS cutoff value was 48 points for those with stroke (sensitivity, 84.7%; specificity, 79.1%) and 43 points for those with hip fracture (sensitivity, 81.3%; specificity, 77.8%). Conclusions: Balance function was independently associated with bathing independence. The level of balance function required for bathing independence may be lower for patients with hip fracture than for those with stroke. This could be a simple and useful indicator for rehabilitation professionals to interpret BBS results when conducting bathing interventions.

Age-stroke related dysfunction interaction associated with home discharge of stroke inpatients in the rehabilitation ward.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether interactions exist among cognitive and physical functions and activities of daily living (ADL) associated with home discharge of stroke patients in the rehabilitation ward. The subjects were 231 patients with a first stroke. Age, gender, affected side, the stroke impairment assessment set, ADL and discharge destination were collected from the medical record. Using a decision tree, a combination of variables that might have an interaction effect associated with home discharge was extracted. The existence of an interaction between the extracted variables was confirmed by logistic regression analysis. A combination of total score of the stroke impairment assessment set (≤27 points) and age (>76.5 years) at admission was extracted from the decision tree. As a result of the logistic regression analysis, this interaction term was significantly associated with home discharge. The findings of the present study suggest that there is an interaction between age and stroke-related dysfunction related to home discharge. Stroke patients aged over 76.5 years with the stroke impairment assessment set score of 27 or less at admission to the rehabilitation ward may need rehabilitation program considering the difficulty of home discharge.

Prediction tool for disability progression and mortality in older adults eligible for Japanese long-term care insurance: Koriyama study.

This study aims to create a simple model for predicting disability progression and death among older adults with Japanese long-term care insurance certification. This retrospective study analyzed the anonymized data provided by Koriyama City. The participants were 7706 older adults who were initially certified to be support levels 1 and 2 or care levels 1 and 2 for the purpose of obtaining Japanese long-term care insurance. The results of the certification questionnaire at the initial survey stage were used to create decision tree models intended to predict whether disability progression and death would occur within 1 year. In support levels 1 and 2, among those who scored both "daily decision making" item as other than "possible" and the "taking drugs" item as other than "independent," 64.7% had an adverse outcome. In care levels 1 and 2, among those who scored both the "shopping" item as "totally dependent" and the "defecation" item as other than "independent," 58.6% had an adverse outcome. The accuracy of classification of the decision trees were 61.1% in support levels 1and 2, and 61.7% in care levels 1 and 2. The overall accuracy of the decision tree is low, making it impractical to use it for all subjects. Nevertheless, based on the results of the 2 assessments in this study, the process of identifying a particular group of older adults at a high risk of an increased need for long-term care or possible death within a year is very simple and useful.

Impact of Sensory Impairment on Improvement of Upper-limb Function in Patients under 75 Years of Age with Subacute Stroke: A Preliminary Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an interaction exists between sensory impairment and age with respect to the recovery of upper-limb function in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 83 patients recovering from subacute stroke in a rehabilitation hospital ward. The recovery of upper-limb function in four groups classified by age and sensory impairment were compared using analysis of covariance. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was performed with recovery of upper-limb function as the dependent variable and with binarized sensory impairment and binarized age and their interaction term as the independent variables. RESULTS: The estimated marginal means of upper-limb recovery were significantly higher in the non-late elderly (≤74 years) without sensory impairment group than in the other three groups. No significant differences were observed among the following three groups: the non-late elderly with sensory impairment, the late elderly (≥75 years) without sensory impairment, and the late elderly with sensory impairment. In multiple regression analysis, the interaction term between sensory impairment and age was significantly associated with improvement in upper-limb function (ß=0.16, P <0.05). Age alone was significant, but sensory impairment alone was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory impairment in patients with subacute stroke affects the recovery of upper-limb function as a result of age interactions.

Interactions of Cognitive and Physical Functions Associated with Toilet Independence in Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to clarify the interaction among cognitive and physical functions associated with toilet independence in stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined 125 stroke patients. We performed decision tree analysis to detect the interaction associated with toilet independent using assessment of motor function on the affected side, muscle strength on unaffected side, trunk function, neglect, motivation, and cognitive function. The interactions detected via decision tree confirmed the existence and influence using logistic regression. RESULTS: The verticality test of the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (3 or ≤2 points) was selected at the first level, and the Revised Hasegawa's dementia scale (≥19 or ≤18 points) and age (≥70 or ≤69 y) were selected at the second level of decision tree. Interaction terms created by these factors were significantly associated with toilet independence after adjusting for the independent influence of each factor using logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show an interaction of trunk and cognitive functions or trunk function and age associated with toilet independence. The probability of toilet independence dramatically changes if two factors of each interaction were satisfied in stroke patients.

Abdominal muscle strength and the recovery of upper extremity function in stroke patients: a study using propensity score matching.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between abdominal muscle strength and recovery of upper limb function, after adjusting for various confounding factors, such as age, gender, and sensory function. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 78 sub-acute stroke patients with mild-to-moderate upper limb dysfunction. Participants were divided into two groups, strong and weak, according to the abdominal muscle strength. The improvement of scores on the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function was compared between the groups. We employed propensity score matching to adjust for numerous relevant variables, including age, affected side, duration from onset, upper limb function, grip strength, sensory function, visuospatial perception, motivation, and cognitive function at admission. RESULTS: The improvement of scores on the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function of the strong group was significantly larger than the weak one, both before and after matching. This trend was noted in the subgroup analysis of participants with moderate dysfunction on admission; however; the trend was not clearly noticeable in participants with mild dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that abdominal muscle strength is significantly associated with the recovery of upper limb function in sub-acute stroke patients, especially in those with moderate upper limb dysfunction.Implications for RehabilitationAbdominal muscle strength is associated with the recovery of upper limb function in subacute stroke patients with moderate upper limb dysfunction.Abdominal muscle strength can be used as a predictive factor for the prognosis of upper limb function in stroke patients.

Functions necessary for gait independence in patients with stroke: A study using decision tree.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the existence and impact of interactions among multiple impairments to gait independence. The purpose of this study is to reveal the interaction of physical functions and its impact on gait independence in stroke patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included 108 subacute stroke patients. We conducted a decision tree analysis to examine the existence of interactions in relation to gait independence among the gross motor function of lower limb, knee extension strength, sensory function, and trunk function. Further, we confirmed the existence and impact of interaction detected via the decision tree after adjusting for the effects of confounding factors using logistic regression. RESULTS: The knee extension strength and proprioception on the affected side were selected in the first and second level of the decision tree. In addition, the knee extension strength was selected in the third level. The interaction of the knee extension strength and proprioception on the affected side was significantly associated with gait independence, both before and after adjusting for age, visuospatial perception, and cognitive functions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the interaction of the knee extension strength and proprioception on the affected side is strongly associated with gait independence in stroke patients.

Effects of the Interaction among Motor Functions on Self-care in Individuals with Stroke.

BACKGROUND: No study to date has focused on what combinations of motor functions are strongly associated with self-care independence in individuals with stroke. The purpose of this study is to clarify the impact of motor function interactions on self-care independence in individuals with stroke. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 132 individuals with first stroke. We conducted a decision tree analysis to examine the impact on daily living skills of numerous key functions - the upper and lower limbs on the affected side, bilateral grip strength and lower limb muscle strength on the unaffected side, bilateral upper limb and trunk function, and balance. Further, we confirmed the interaction effects detected via the decision tree approach using logistic regression. RESULTS: As per the decision tree analysis, the interaction between balance and upper limb function of the affected side showed an association with self-care independence. The interaction terms of balance and upper limb function we analyzed were significantly associated with the ability to achieve self-care independence, after some adjustments to eliminate the influence of confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the combination of functional status of balance and upper limb function of the affected side are strongly associated with the independence of self-care. The decision tree created in this study could serve as an effective guide when implementing a remedial approach for individuals with stroke aiming to achieve self-care independence.

Usefulness of the Daily Life Performance Transfer Sheet in Care Management of People With Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the usefulness of collaboration between occupational therapists and care managers using the Daily Life Performance Transfer Sheet. METHOD: We administered a questionnaire to obtain care managers' subjective assessments of the usefulness of the Daily Life Performance Transfer Sheet in the care management of clients with stroke 1 mo after discharge. RESULTS: Most care managers perceived the Daily Life Performance Transfer Sheet as useful. Its perceived usefulness was significantly correlated with all items related to subjective assessment of care management, such as the understanding of clients' abilities, short-term care planning, long-term care planning, interprofessional collaboration, and sense of accomplishment. CONCLUSION: The Daily Life Performance Transfer Sheet is a useful tool for care managers in the care management of clients with stroke.

Use of a multilayer perceptron to create a prediction model for dressing independence in a small sample at a single facility.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the accuracy of a prediction model for dressing independence created with a multilayer perceptron in a small sample at a single facility. [Participants and Methods] This retrospective observational study included 82 first-stroke patients. The prediction models for dressing independence at hospital discharge were created using a multilayer perceptron, logistic regression, and a decision tree, and compared for predictive accuracy. Age, dressing performance, trunk function, visuospatial perception, balance, and cognitive function at admission were used as variables. [Results] The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value, and negative-predictive value for training data were highest with the multilayer perceptron model. Cochran's Q and multiple comparison tests revealed a significant difference between logistic regression and multilayer perceptron models. Testing of data in 10-fold cross-validation yielded the same results, except for sensitivity. [Conclusion] The present study suggested that higher accuracy could be expected with a multilayer perceptron than with logistic regression and a decision tree when creating a prediction model for independence of activities of daily living in a small sample of stroke patients.

A path analysis model for grooming performance in stroke patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationships between various types of functions and grooming performance and describe their hierarchical structure in survivors of stroke.Method: This was a retrospective observational study on 75 individuals with first stroke. A hypothetical path model, created based on previous studies, was examined for goodness of fit between the data and the model using path analysis. We hypothesized that in survivors of stroke, grooming performance is influenced by age, motor and sensory functions of the affected limbs, trunk function, grip and knee extensor strength, visuospatial perception, intellectual function, motivation, affected and unaffected upper limb function, and balance.Results: A revised path model was created that achieved goodness-of-fit index criteria. Balance, affected and unaffected upper limb function, and motivation were found to have a direct effect and balance and unaffected upper limb function were found to have especially stronger effect on grooming performance. The order of the standardized total effects of each function was as follows: balance, unaffected upper limb function, motivation, and affected lower limb function.Conclusions: Our results suggest that interventions targeting balance and unaffected upper limb function could be effective in rehabilitation to improve grooming performance in survivors of stroke.Implications for rehabilitationBalance and unaffected upper limb function have a strong effect on grooming independence in survivors of stroke.Balance is most influenced by affected lower limb function, and unaffected upper limb function is equally influenced by balance, visuospatial perception, and grip strength.Interventions targeting balance and unaffected upper limb function can improve grooming performance in survivors of stroke.

Functional and cognitive variables predicting successful use of chopsticks or a spoon by the paretic upper extremity in patients following stroke: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The factors necessary for successful use of chopsticks or a spoon, by patients with a paretic upper extremity (UE) following stroke are unknown. OBJECTIVES: We identified the functional capacities and interactions related to chopsticks or spoon use in patients with right hemiplegia following stroke. METHODS: Participants were 139 stroke patients with right hemiplegia who required rehabilitation, divided into the following three categories: able to use chopsticks, able to use a spoon, or unable to use a spoon. We collected sociodemographic data, medical data, physical and cognitive function data, and functional grades associated with chopsticks or spoon use by the paretic dominant UE while eating. We identified a complex interaction of variables relating to functional use of chopsticks or a spoon using a classification and regression tree analytic process. RESULTS: Patients with UE Brunnstrom recovery stage (BRS) >IV, and a Hasegawa Dementia Scale - Revised (HDS-R) score >16 had a 91.3% probability of being able to use chopsticks. Moreover, patients with a UE BRS of >IV, and the HDS-R score ≤16 had a 66.7% probability of being able to use a spoon. By contrast, patients with a UE BRS of ≤IV had a 90.5% probability of not being able to use a spoon. CONCLUSIONS: The interaction of BRS as a measure of UE function and HDS-R score as a measure of cognitive function affect the ability of patients with stroke histories to functionally use the paretic UE to operate chopsticks or a spoon.

Effect of olfactory stimulation with essential oils on cardiovascular reactivity during the moving beans task in stroke patients with anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of olfactory stimulation with essential oils on cardiovascular reactivity during the "moving beans" rehabilitation task in stroke patients with anxiety. METHODS: Twenty-eight stroke patients participated in this study. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after finger movement tasks (e.g., moving beans and the Purdue pegboard test). Olfactory stimulation with lavender oil, grapefruit oil, and distilled water were conducted during finger tasks. Anxiety was assessed using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Y2 before the finger movement tasks. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate activity in both finger movement tasks when stimulation of lavender oil, grapefruit oil, and distilled water was applied. However, the change values of Δ diastolic blood pressure (DBP) associated with the moving beans task indicated a significant interaction between olfactory stimulations and the groups of STAI-Y2 scores (high vs low) (p=0.03), without main effects in the olfactory stimulations and the groups of STAI-Y2 scores. CONCLUSION: Olfactory stimulation with lavender and grapefruit oil may repress the exaggerated DBP response during the moving beans task in stroke patients with higher levels of trait anxiety symptoms.

Quantifying lower extremity and trunk function for dressing in stroke patients: a retrospective observational study.

Background Dressing performance relates strongly with balance function, and it is mainly influenced by the motor functions of the affected and unaffected lower extremity and trunk function in stroke patients. For the remedial approach to be effective, ascertaining the degree of function needed in the affected and unaffected lower extremities and trunk to achieve balance function requisite for dressing is necessary. Objectives This study aimed to elucidate standards of lower extremity and trunk function necessary for stroke patients to gain balance requisite for dressing. Methods The study included 105 first-time stroke patients, who were classified by Berg Balance Score ≥44 or not and ≥32 or not which are previously reported standard indicators for independent and supervision level in dressing. Receiver operating characteristic curves were determined for the stroke impairment assessment item of sensory and motor function of affected lower extremity, abdominal muscle strength, and knee extension muscle strength. Results Area under the curve was ≥0.7 for all variables. In BBS 44-point analyses, the calculated cut-off values were 4 points for SIAS hip flexion, 4 points for SIAS knee extension, 2 points for SIAS foot pat on the affected side, 3 points for SIAS tactile and position sensation of the affected lower extremity, 3 points for SIAS abdominal muscle strength, and 3 points for SIAS knee extension muscle strength on the unaffected side. Conclusions These cut-off values can be used as targets for motor functions, when using the remedial approach for achieving dressing independence.

Relationship between Grooming Performance and Motor and Cognitive Functions in Stroke Patients with Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between grooming performance of stroke patients and various motor and cognitive functions and to examine the cognitive and physical functional standards required for grooming independence. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 96 hospitalized patients with first stroke in a rehabilitation hospital ward. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to investigate the related cognitive and motor functions with grooming performance and to calculate the cutoff values for independence and supervision levels in grooming. RESULTS: For analysis between the independent and supervision-dependent groups, the only item with an area under the curve (AUC) of .9 or higher was the Berg Balance Scale, and the calculated cutoff value was 41/40 (sensitivity, 83.6%; specificity, 87.8%). For analysis between the independent-supervision and dependent groups, the items with an AUC of .9 or higher were the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) on the nonaffected side, Vitality Index (VI), and FIM® cognition. The cutoff values were 68/67 for the STEF (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 72.2%), 9/8 points for the VI (sensitivity, 92.3%; specificity, 88.9%), and 23/22 points for FIM® cognition (sensitivity, 91.0%; specificity, 88.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that upper-extremity functions on the nonaffected side, motivation, and cognitive functions are particularly important to achieve the supervision level and that balance is important to reach the independence level. The effective improvement of grooming performance is possible by performing therapeutic or compensatory intervention on functions that have not achieved these cutoff values.

Cardiovascular Responses Associated with the Moving Beans Task: Influence of Psychological Characteristics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: High blood pressure (BP) after stroke is associated with a poor outcome. However, exercise training or speech therapy for patients with stroke can raise the BP. The aim of this study was to examine cardiovascular responses during the moving beans task (MBT) used in occupational therapy and to study the influence of psychological characteristics on cardiovascular responses during this task in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 34 healthy volunteers, the BP and the heart rate (HR) were continuously measured during the baseline period, the 5-minute MBT, and the 1-minute cold pressor test (CPT). All subjects completed self-reported questionnaires, including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-2, and the Japanese version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). RESULTS: The systolic blood pressure (SBP), the diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the mean blood pressure (MBP) significantly increased during the MBT and the CPT compared with the baseline values. SBP, DBP, and MBP responses during the MBT significantly correlated with the TAS-20 scores. Moreover, DBP response during the MBT correlated with the CES-D scores. CONCLUSIONS: The MBT significantly raised BP without increasing the HR. BP responses during this task were influenced by the psychological characteristics of depression and alexithymia.

Propensity-matched analysis of the gap between capacity and actual performance of dressing in patients with stroke.

[Purpose] Dressing is an activity of daily living for which stroke patients often show discrepancies between capacity and actual performance. The aim of this study was to elucidate the physical function and unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients that reduce their level of actual performance despite having the capacity for dressing independently. [Subjects and Methods] This retrospective study included 60 first-time stroke patients judged by occupational therapists as able to dress independently. The patients were divided into two groups according to their FIM(®) instrument scores for dressing the upper and lower body: an independent group with both scores ≥6 and an assistance group with one or both scores ≤5. After adjusting for confounding factors through propensity score matching, the groups were compared by using Stroke Impairment Assessment Set items, the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function of both upper limbs, and the Berg balance scale. [Results] The assistance group had a significantly lower score for the Berg balance scale than the independent dressing group (31.0 ± 12.3 vs. 47.8 ± 7.4). [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggested that the balance function has an effect on the discrepancy between dressing capacity and performance.

[Prediction of upper limb recovery in the acute phase of cerebrovascular disease: study design and socio-demographic profiles, medical profiles,and acute symptoms of participants at baseline].

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aim to predict the recovery of upper limb function in patients in the acute phase of cerebrovascular disease. Here, we describe the study design and patients' characteristics at baseline. METHODS: Subjects were admitted to Takeda General Hospital with cerebrovascular disease, and were prescribed to undergo rehabilitation. The assessment was conducted between June 2010 and March 2011. The baseline survey assessed the following factors: socio-demographic profiles (age, sex, number of family members, key person, occupation, and activities in daily life), medical profiles (types of cerebrovascular disease, location of brain damage, and history of diseases), and acute symptoms (Japan Coma Scale score, the Barre arm sign, the Brunnstrom recovery stage, tendon reflex, sensation, pain, ataxia, range of motion, muscle tone, grip strength, agnosia, apraxia, aphasia, dysarthria, the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised score, and the Barthel index). RESULTS: A total of 357 patients with cerebrovascular disease were analyzed on the basis of diagnosis [cerebral infarction (CI; 77.6%), cerebral hemorrhage (CH; 20.2%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; 2.2%)]. There was a significant difference in the average age between the types of cerebrovascular disease. In acute symptoms, sensation, grip strength, cognitive function, and activities of daily living were statistically significantly different between the types of cerebrovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: In this report, we described the study design and characteristics of patients with cerebrovascular disease at baseline. In the future, this study could be used for predicting the recovery of upper limb function in these patients.