Relationship between function and daily use of a paralytic arm among acute stroke patients:

Patient characteristics, physical functions, and degree of understanding

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors related to the usage of the paralytic arm during daily activities among acute stroke patients. Particularly, we focused on the patient characteristics, physical functions, and the degree of understanding of how to use the affected arm in daily activities. Participants were 56 acute stroke patients within 1 week of onset. Multivariate logistics regression analysis revealed that the amount of hemiplegic arm use was affected by the arm function (FMA score) and the degree of understanding. These results indicate that acute stage occupational therapy intervention should focus on both improving the function of the paralyzed arm, and evaluating and encouraging the patients to better understand how to use the paralyzed arm in the daily activities.