The effect of voluntary training with family participation on early home discharge in patients with severe stroke at a convalescent rehabilitation ward

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of voluntary training with family participation in addition to conventional rehabilitation for stroke patients.

Methods/design: The subjects were 49 first-time stroke patients with severe hemiplegia. They were divided into two groups: a family participation group, in which voluntary training was performed with family members (21 patients), and a nonfamily participation group, in which voluntary training was performed with a physical therapist (28 patients). The groups were compared by background, cognitive and physical function, postadmission course, and outcome.

Results: There were shortened lengths of stay and higher rates of home discharge in family participation group, but no differences in functional recovery.

Conclusions: Voluntary training with family participation was effective in shortening the length of hospital stay and in improving the rate of home discharge in a convalescent rehabilitation ward.