Abstract. [Purpose] This study examined the effects of bilateral upper extremity activities on the daily living abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Method] A total of 26 study subjects were selected and were randomly divided into an experimental group of 13 subjects, who received an intervention consisting of bilateral upper extremity activities and nervous system rehabilitation, and a control group of 13 subjects, who received an intervention consisting of nervous system rehabilitation only.[Results] The experimental group showed statistically significant changes in all items. Among FIM items, Self-care, Social Cognition, and Total Score showed significant differences between the groups. [Conclusion] Bilateral upper extremity activities performed by the experimental group are considered to have improved daily living activities.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an ankle foot orthosis on weight-bearing abilities of stroke patients by comparing weight loading during performance of tasks in various standing positions on the affected side. [Subjects and Methods] This study was performed with 16 stroke patients. To measure the weight loading value and percentage of weight loading in affected lower extremities, 5 standing tasks were performed with and without an ankle foot orthosis in random order. [Results] In the rising from a chair, maintaining a standing position, and forward weight shifting tasks, the affected lower extremities showed a significantly higher percentage of weight loading with an ankle foot orthosis. In the tasks requiring weight shifting to one leg, weight shifting to the lateral side showed the best weight-bearing ability with or without an ankle foot orthosis, followed by the forward and backward weight shifting, respectively. There were statistically significant correlations in all 5 tasks with or without an ankle foot orthosis. [Conclusion] An ankle foot orthosis improves the weight-bearing ability, especially when shifting weight forward, resulting in increased weight-bearing ability in activities of daily living tasks such as quiet standing and rising from a chair. The 5 tasks in this study would be a fine assessment tool under clinical conditions to investigate the postural stability of the affected side with or without application of an ankle foot orthosis.