Effect of Physical Therapy on ADL and QOL of a Terminal Cancer Patient with Severe Hemiplegia after Stroke in a Fully Independent Palliative Care Hospital: A Case Report

Abstract

[Purpose] We report the impact of physical therapy on Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Quality of Life (QOL) of a terminal cancer patient with severe hemiplegia due to a brain hemorrhage being treated in a fully independent palliative care hospital. [Participant and Methods] A man in his 60s presenting hemiplegia was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, brain metastasis, and multiple lung metastases following cerebral hemorrhage. The subject was diagnosed with Performance Status 4 and transferred to a fully independent palliative care hospital where he received physical therapy for 8 weeks. [Results] At the start of physical therapy after transfer (day 51), ADL was 23 points for Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor items, 31 points for FIM cognitive items and 26 points for QOL as measured by the Comprehensive Quality of Life Outcome short version. After 8 weeks, the FIM motor items of transfer improved to 28 points, and QOL improved to 39 points. [Conclusion] Physical therapy for terminal cancer patients with severe disability due to cerebral hemorrhage may contribute to the improvement of mobility and QOL.