No abstract

[Purpose] Dressing is an activity of daily living for which stroke patients often show discrepancies between capacity and actual performance. The aim of this study was to elucidate the physical function and unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients that reduce their level of actual performance despite having the capacity for dressing independently. [Subjects and Methods] This retrospective study included 60 first-time stroke patients judged by occupational therapists as able to dress independently. The patients were divided into two groups according to their FIM® instrument scores for dressing the upper and lower body: an independent group with both scores ≥6 and an assistance group with one or both scores ≤5. After adjusting for confounding factors through propensity score matching, the groups were compared by using Stroke Impairment Assessment Set items, the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function of both upper limbs, and the Berg balance scale. [Results] The assistance group had a significantly lower score for the Berg balance scale than the independent dressing group (31.0 ± 12.3 vs. 47.8 ± 7.4). [Conclusion] The results of the present study suggested that the balance function has an effect on the discrepancy between dressing capacity and performance.

Our results suggest that interventions targeting balance and unaffected upper limb function could be effective in rehabilitation to improve grooming performance in survivors of stroke. Implications for rehabilitation Balance and unaffected upper limb function have a strong effect on grooming independence in survivors of stroke. Balance is most influenced by affected lower limb function, and unaffected upper limb function is equally influenced by balance, visuospatial perception, and grip strength. Interventions targeting balance and unaffected upper limb function can improve grooming performance in survivors of stroke.

No abstract

No abstract