Abstract
Background and Purpose: This study compared the usefulness of different durations and intensities of rehabilitation training based on changes in activities of daily living (ADL) observed 18 months after discharge of stroke patients who had participated in the FIT (full-time integrated treatment) program.
Methods: 1) Subjects in the traditional rehabilitation system (Pre-FIT group) included 49 patients (mean age: 63.3±10.9 years old) who received standard training 5 days a week, 2). Subjects in the FIT program (FIT group) included 81 patients (mean age: 61.1±12.8 years old) who received short-term intensive training 7 days a week. The ADL of these patients was assessed by Functional Independence Measure (FIM). We used mainly the motor subscore of FIM (FIM-M) to analyze the course of changes in the ADL level.
Results: The average hospital stay in the FIT group was significantly shorter than that in the Pre-FIT group (Pre-FIT group: 91.8±27.9 days, FIT group: 78.2±41.8 days). Average score of FIM-M in the Pre-FIT group 18 months after discharge (64.0±23.4) was significantly smaller than that in the FIT group (71.8±19.3). The FIM-M score decreased significantly after discharge in both groups (Pre-FIT group: -4.7, FIT group: -3.8).
Conclusions: The advantage of the FIT group over Pre-FIT group in ADL gain was maintained even 18 month after discharge. A further study will be required to determine the optimal duration and intensity of training in the FIT program.
