We performed physical therapy for a patient with left hemiplegia following cerebral hemorrhage. We noted dystonia on the affected side of the trunk and muscles around the hip. A short apparatus with a metallic support worn on the affected lower limb made it difficult for the patient to step into a bathtub. Another hospital had instructed the patient to wear the short lower-limb apparatus with a metallic support to facilitate gait early after cerebral hemorrhage. When gait had improved, on using a 4-point stick, the patient was discharged. The patient usually walked with the aid of the 4-point stick at home following discharge but tended to fall backward toward the unaffected side. The patient was often unable to step into the bathtub using the affected lower limb and would fall down backward on the unaffected side. We reviewed factors influencing falling down in walking and bathing. When the patient walked or moved wearing the short lower-limb apparatus, posterior rotation and elevation of the affected side of the pelvis with respect to hypermyotonia of the dorsolumbar muscles on the affected side was observed in the swing phase of the affected lower limb. Furthermore, increase in the affected lower-limb weight due to the apparatus worn on the ipsilateral side enhanced hypermyotonia of the dorsolumbar muscles on the affected side during locomotion, including stepping into the bathtub. As part of physical therapy, the patient was instructed to improve the gait and transfer-movement patterns, which are frequently necessary in activities of daily living, and continue home training. In addition, the patient practiced stepping into the bathtub, and improvement was observed in this activity.
