Abstract
We examined subjective experiences using the paretic hand among stroke patients. Twelve subjects with some experience using a paretic hand in their daily living were interviewed, and the interview data were analyzed using Saiki's grounded theory approach. We found that stroke results in the “selection of scenes and means of using one's paretic hand”, and the “selection of scenes and means of non-use of one's paretic hand”. Subjects describe the experience of “a feeling of necessity to use the paretic hand”, “a sense of being able to live using only the non-paretic hand”, “an attempt to consciously use the paretic hand”, and “conscious of being watched by other persons”, while “living in a paralyzed body”. Our results suggest that when occupational therapists encourage the use of a paretic hand among stroke patients, it is important to consider the personal meaning of using one's paretic hand in relation to the characteristics of the engaged occupation(s).
