Relationship between Functional Change of Paralytic Upper Limb and Activities of Daily Living after Stroke

Abstract

Of 15 hemiplegic outpatients, upper limb function was evaluated by the 12-grade hemiplegia functional test at discharge and after discharge (296 ± 169 days in average). Functional performance of paralytic upper limb in daily life was also examined by an interview, and the frequency of use of paralytic upper limb was described in scores in order to investigate the relation with upper limb function. As a result, the more patients use paralytic upper limb in daily life, the more possibility exists that upper limb function improves after discharge. Especially in patients of over stage IV of upper limb at discharge, the tendency was marked. During hospitalization, it is important to lead patients to use paralytic upper limb inevitably and to move both hands positively like washing hands. © 2003, The Society of Physical Therapy Science. All rights reserved.