Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the change in lower extremity orthosis and mobility in stroke patients after discharge from the hospital. Subjects were 30 hemiplegic patients who had a stroke for the first time and were discharged from the convalescence rehabilitation ward of our hospital. They were prescribed the lower extremity orthosis (mean age : 59.7±11.9 years). The subjects were divided into 2 groups : the using orthosis group, comprising subjects who always used lower extremity orthosis both in their house and outside, and the not using orthosis group, comprising those who did not always use it in their house or outside. Various factors such as clinical features, physical function, mobility and ADL were compared between the 2 groups. In addition, we investigated their awareness of using lower extremity orthosis after discharge. A difference in the presence of family education was observed between the 2 groups. No differences were observed in the physical function, mobility or ADL at discharge and after discharge. The purpose and reason for using orthosis after discharge were also different between the 2 groups. However, their satisfaction and sense of dissatisfaction with the use of lower extremity orthosis were similar in both the groups. We conclude that hemiplegic patient in need of lower extremity orthosis after discharge and the family need instruction through family guidance in a convalescence rehabilitation ward. In addition, it is necessary to continued evaluation for the patients and family after discharge.
