Relationship between side of hemiparesis and functional independence using activities of daily living index

Abstract

IntroductionStroke is the third most common cause of death in the Western Hemisphere and the most common cause of adult disability and balance problems. The purpose of this study was to find the relation between dependency of performing functional activities of daily living (ADL) with side of hemiparesis in patients with stroke using Barthel Index. MethodsThis was a study of 130 patients with onset of first stroke in their life. Barthel (ADL) Index was used to assess functional ability and independence of stroke patients. The Barthel Index consists of 10 items assessing the ability to achieve certain activities without assistance. This scale gives a score between 0 and 20 in one point increments. The top score of 20 implies functional independence (slight dependency), not necessarily normality. Patients were divided into 5 categories according to their score: totally dependent (0–4), severely dependent (5–9), moderately dependent (10–14), mildly or slightly dependent (15–19) and independent (20). Then, we analyzed the results to find the relation between side of hemiparesis and functional independence. ResultsOf 130 patients with stroke, 61 patients were having right-sided hemiparesis and 69 had left sided. Out of 69 patients with left-sided hemiparesis, 16 were independent (mildly and moderately dependent) and out of 61 with right-sided hemiparesis, 35 were independent (mildly and moderately dependent). Cross tabulation and chi-square tests revealed significant relationship between side of hemiparesis and functional independence in patients with stroke (χ2 = 18.779, p < 0.001). Phi-square test value (0.380) is also significant (p < 0.001). DiscussionsThis suggests that side of hemiparesis/weakness could be taken into consideration as a factor in functional independence assessment and further retraining of hemiparetic stroke survivors. Strong relationship exists between side of hemiparesis and functional independence in patients with stroke.