PURPOSE: To create a model to predict independence in the activities of daily living at discharge in stroke patients in the convalescence stage. The study also examined whether the predictability of functional independence at discharge would be improved by creating a specific prediction model for each rehabilitation facility. METHODS: To create the prediction model, data of 65 first stroke patients were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Age, time post-stroke, Functional Independence Measure motor subscale score, Functional Independence Measure cognitive subscale score, Stroke Impairment Assessment Set, Berg Balance Scale, and Vitality Index at admission were selected as predictor variables of Functional Independence Measure motor subscale score at discharge. The accuracy of this model was compared with an existing prognosis model using data from 98 first-stroke patients, comparing the difference between actual and predicted Functional Independence Measure motor subscale score at discharge for each model. RESULTS: The prediction formula created included admission Functional Independence Measure motor subscale score, Vitality Index, age, and Stroke Impairment Assessment Set score. The adjusted R square value was 0.60. The prediction errors of the new and previous models were −2.5 ± 10.8 and −18.3 ± 18.7, respectively, which were significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that prediction accuracy may be improved by creating prediction formulas specifically for each institution.

View full abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the BMZ insole based on the cuboid bone support theory using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) as a dynamic balance evaluation test. Twenty normal men (20.1 ± 1.3 years) without any orthopedic or neurologic impairment participated in this study. Body sway was evaluated based on the center of pressure while participants performed the SEBT. The total locus length and the area of body sway were then measured using a zebris system. Measurements were made under 2 sets of conditions: with BMZ insoles and with non-BMZ insoles. [Results] The results obtained under the 2 sets of conditions were then compared, with the total locus length and the area of body sway found to be significantly less for subjects using BMZ insoles than for those using the non-BMZ insoles.

View full abstract

It is necessary to collaboration with health, medical, education, welfare, labor in considering support systems for children with developmental disorders. On the other hand, previous support systems were progressed bureaucratic sectionalism. Because different services were provided by different age, far-sighted approaches were difficult. Clinical practices were progressed with the “collaboration” as a keyword in recent years. This point of view concerning current status of support systems for children with developmental disorders, and through the A facilities' clinical practices were discussed.

View full abstract

With the aging of the population in Japan continuing to progress rapidly, there is a need for the enhancement of welfare services for senior citizens. A system for improved management of activities of daily life, the Management Tool for Daily Life Performance (MTDLP), has been developed by the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists that is easy for citizens to understand, and can be used to model ideal forms of occupational therapy that can make a contribution to regional integrated care systems.

View full abstract