Factors affecting the activities of daily living of chronic stroke patients requiring long-term care

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the factors affecting the activities of daily living (ADL) abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were 91 chronic stroke patients. [Methods] The items assessed were: age, body mass index (BMI), the Barthel index (BI), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), mini-nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF), short physical performance battery (SPPB) and grip strength. Multiple regression analysis was performed with BI as the dependent variable, and age, MNA-SF, MMSE, SPPB and grip strength as independent variables. [Results] The factor with the largest effect on BI was SPPB (β=0.487); MMSE (β=0.317) and grip strength (β=0.310) also showed significant effects. [Conclusion] The results provide evidence that the ability of chronic stroke patients to perform ADL is affected by physical function, cognitive function, and muscle strength, but not by age or nutritional state.