The Impact of Upper Limb Apraxia on General and Domain-Specific Self-Efficacy in Post-Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Upper limb apraxia (ULA) is a neurological syndrome characterized by the inability to perform purposeful movements. ULA could impact individuals’ perceptions, including perceived self-efficacy. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ULA is related to general self-efficacy and self-efficacy for managing symptoms in post-stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 82 post-stroke patients. Regression analyses were implemented using a stepwise model including seven dimensions of ULA: imitation (non-symbolic, intransitive, and transitive), pantomime (non-symbolic, intransitive, and transitive), and dimension of apraxic performance in activities of daily living. These dimensions were independent variables, while general self-efficacy and symptom management self-efficacy dimensions were dependent variables. Results: The findings revealed that intransitive imitation accounted for 14% of the variance in general self-efficacy and 10% of self-efficacy for managing emotional symptoms. Transitive imitation explained 10% of the variance in self-efficacy for managing global symptoms and 5% for social–home integration symptoms. The combination of intransitive imitation, non-symbolic pantomime, and alterations in activities of daily living performance associated with ULA explained 24% of the variance in cognitive self-efficacy. Conclusions: Hence, ULA dimensions seem to be related to the levels of general perceived self-efficacy and self-efficacy for managing symptoms among post-stroke patients.