Trunk muscles in persons with hemiparetic stroke evaluated with computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES To analyse side difference in bilateral trunk muscles in patients with hemiparetic stroke, to relate it with impairment and disability variables and to evaluate longitudinal changes. METHODS In a sample of 83 inpatients with hemiparetic stroke undergoing rehabilitation, we measured the cross-sectional area of the paravertebral muscle and thigh muscles using computed tomography at admission and discharge. Classifying them by paravertebral muscle side difference (group I: contralateral > ipsilateral; II: contralateral = ipsilateral; III: contralateral < ipsilateral) we analysed group difference in the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set, the Functional Independence Measure and walk velocity. RESULTS In contrast to thigh muscles, the paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area was significantly greater on the side contralateral to the brain lesion. Discharge paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area increased significantly from admission values. The Stroke Impairment Assessment Set, Functional Independence Measure and walk velocity were significantly lower in group I. CONCLUSION The contralateral paravertebral muscle cross-sectional area was larger than the ipsilateral ones, and this was related to the degree of impairment and functional limitations.