Abstract
Purpose: To determine whether the lesioned hemisphere and the frequency of physical and occupational therapy sessions in inpatient rehabilitation have effects on the functional independence of stroke patients.
Methodology: A retrospective chart review of 165 individuals who underwent intensive inpatient rehabilitation following an acute stroke. The patients received skilled occupational and physical therapy 5 days a week or greater at an intensive rehabilitation facility following an acute stroke. Functional independence was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score upon admission and discharge. Linear regression analyses were used to determine if there is a significant FIM motor score change depending on the side of the lesioned hemisphere and/or the frequency of therapy sessions.
Results: A significant difference in functional independence as measured by FIM motor score was found when comparing the frequency of therapy for left sided strokes (left stroke 7 days a week versus left stroke less than 7 days a week) (p=0.021). There was no significant difference in FIM motor score change during comparison of other groups: lesioned hemispheres (right vs. left) (p=0.706), frequency of therapy for right strokes (right stroke 7 days vs. right stroke less than 7 days) (p=0.765), or frequency of therapy and side of lesion (right stroke 7 days vs. left stroke 7 days and right stroke less than 7 days vs. left stroke less than 7 days) (p=0.138).
Conclusions: The study suggest that acute left stroke survivors may benefit from intensive physical and occupational therapy, 7 days a week in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, to improve functional independence. Further research is needed to determine any confounding variables which may explain why no significant improvement was noted with increased frequency of therapy for right stroke survivors.
Keywords
Stroke, Hemisphere, Rehabilitation, Independence, Outcomes