Improved functional independence measure facilitates return to home after paralyzed upper-limb training: a case report

[Purpose] We report a case in which rehabilitation that targeted the paralyzed side's upper limb in a hemiplegic stroke patient remarkably accelerated the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, improved her Functional Independence Measure score, and facilitated the patient's return to home. [Subject and Methods] We provided rehabilitation training to a female patient who experienced a cerebral infarction at a nursing home for the elderly and was admitted to the Kaifukuki recovery phase rehabilitation ward in order to improve her activities of daily living and return home. An intensive rehabilitation program incorporating occupational therapy and physical training for upper-limb function on the affected side was instituted over 170 days. [Results] At presentation, the patient had functional disorders and load-induced pain in both lower limbs requiring her to walk with a fixed-type walker. After the intensive rehabilitation program, her activities of daily living improved and she was able to return home. [Conclusion] This case suggests that activities of daily living training and simultaneous active training of upper-limb function on the affected side in patients with functional disorders or lower-limb pain could effectively improve their Functional Independence Measure scores, promote functional recovery, and facilitate their return to home.