Objective: To investigate the effect of rehabilitation therapy on functional recovery in chronic stroke patients.
Method: Brunnstrom stage for neurologic recovery, modified Barthel index (MBI) for functional recovery, and possibility of gait were assessed in 66 chronic stroke patients. MBI and possibility of gait were compared the patients who received rehabilitation therapy (Rehab patients) with the patients who did not receive rehabilitation therapy (non- Rehab patients) in each Brunnsrom stage.
Results: In Brunnstrom stage III, 13 of 15 Rehab patients could walk 10 m or more, but none of 7 non-Rehab patients could walk independently, and this difference was statistically significant. MBI score was also significantly higher in Rehab patients than non-Rehab patients (71.3 vs 18.9, p=0.000) in Brunnstrom stage III. In Brunnstrom stage IV, V, VI, MBI score and possibility of gait were higher in Rehab patients than non-Rehab patients, but not significant.
Conclusion: We can confirm the effect of rehabilitation therapy on functional recovery, and this effect seems to be more decisive in neurologically low recovery status patients. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 370-373)
