Recovery of upper limb dexterity in patients more than 1 year after stroke: Frequency, clinical correlates and predictors

Once again they are not looking at the actual damage in the brain for an   objective  starting point.
http://www.naric.com/research/rehab/record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J64217&phrase=no&rec=119313
Abstract: Study determined the frequency, clinical correlates and predictors of upper-limb dexterity in patients who have survived 1 year or more after a stroke. One hundred forty patients who were more than a year after stroke onset completed the Motor Assessment Scale for measurement of upper-limb dexterity, the Ashworth Scale for spasticity, the Upper Extremity Motricity Index (UEMI) and Lower Extremity Motricity Index (LEMI) for motor power, and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) for functional status. Spasticity was categorized as absent to moderate and severe. Potential predictors of dexterous function were chosen based on retrospective review of the patients’ medical records during admission for inpatient rehabilitation. The mean patient age was 61.0 years and patients were evaluated at 41.7 months after stroke onset. Upper-limb dexterity was present in 40 patients (28.3 percent). Sensory impairment, severe spasticity and low scores on the MBI, UEMI and LEMI were significantly correlated to poor dextrous function, with severe spasticity and UEMI score being the most important. Poor dextrous function was predicted by a severe stroke, neglect, sensory impairment, total/partial anterior circulation stroke and low MBI, UEMI and LEMI scores on rehabilitation admission. The most important predictor of dexterity was UEMI score on admission to rehabilitation. Findings indicated that the most important correlates of limb dexterity were upper limb strength and severe spasticity and the most significant predictor of dexterity was the severity of upper limb paresis on admission to rehabilitation.