Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the duration to achieve independence of upper-body dressing in 56 first stroke patients who had become independent during hospitalization in a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Patients were divided into three groups according to the duration to achieve independence:group A within one month, group B more than one month and less than two months, and group C over two months. Basic characteristics, stroke impairment assessment set (SIAS), and functional independence measure (FIM) were compared from the beginning of training the among groups. In group A, the score of FIM upper-body dressing, problem solving, memory, and SIAS lower limb motor function and sensory function were higher than those of the other groups. Characteristics of Group B were unclear. In group C, the score of FIM social interaction and SIAS visuospatial recognition were lower than in other two groups. Factors affecting the duration to independence are mainly cognitive functions and lower limb function of the affected side.
