Falls and Use of Assistive Devices in Stroke Patients with Hemiparesis: Association with Balance Ability and Fall Efficacy.

PURPOSE: This study investigates balance ability and the fall efficacy with regard to the experiences of stroke patients with hemiparesis. METHODS: The experience of falling, the use of assistive devices, and each disease-related characteristic were assessed using face-to-face interviews and a self-reported questionnaire. The Berg Balance Scale and Fall Efficacy Scale were used to measure balance ability and confidence. RESULTS: The fall efficacy was significantly lower in participants who had experienced falls than those who had not. The participants who used assistive devices exhibited low balance ability and fall efficacy compared to those who did not use assistive devices. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke patients with fall experience and walking aids might be considered at increased risk of falling. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preventive measures for individuals using walking aids may be beneficial in reducing the fall rate of community-dwelling stroke patients.

Mothering a 3- to 6-year-old child with hemiparesis.

Stroke is estimated to occur in approximately 2.5-3.2 children per 100,000 annually. While some aspects of mothering a disabled child are currently known, there are other aspects of this experience that remain unknown. Much of the research focuses on children who are severely disabled, thus leaving a gap in what is known about the experience of mothers of mildly to moderately disabled children. Little is understood about mothering children who have a less severe disability, and in particular, a 3- to 6-year old child with hemiparesis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the experience of mothering a 3- to 6-year old child with hemiparesis. This study incorporated a phenomenological approach using Colaizzi's descriptive methodology. The participants were five biological mothers of children aged 3-6 years who were diagnosed with hemiparesis following a stroke. The children were considered mildly to moderately disabled and required two to three therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or special education. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed verbatim. By using Colaizzi's method for data analysis, the following six themes emerged: (1) Mothers' Way to Know, (2) Being Blown Away, (3) Gradual Awakening to an Uncertain Future, (4) Fiercely Advocating for My Child, (5) Living in a Middle World, and (6) A Heart Filled with Joy and Sorrow. This study provided data that were used to provide a beginning description of the experience of mothering a child with hemiparesis.

Effect of nursing care on self-care efficiency of patients with hemiparesis.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of a nurse in rehabilitation of patients with hemiparesis. The study covered 60 patients--21 males and 39 females, aged 39-65, who underwent cerebral stroke and retained good verbal contact. While the patients were performing various instrumental-manual activities they were trained for self-care activities, and the effects were analysed. Self-care activities included hygienic activities and control of the body functions, such as: control of cardiovascular parameters, consumption of meals, control of sphincter muscles, prevention of muscular contractures and atrophy, as well as bed-sores and hemi-neglect syndrome. At Stage 1 of the study a considerable percentage of patients (approx. 50%) represented a lower category of self-care, while at Stage 2 the greatest number of patients attained a higher category (approx. 73.0%). In general, a considerable increase was noted in the percentage of patients who were efficient with respect to self-care, i.e. by 23.0%.

Regaining functional independence by neurological patients.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nursing care on the process of regaining functional independence by neurological patients. The study covered 80 patients--28 males and 52 females, aged 39-67. The data concerning patients were collected by means of a questionnaire and observation. The results obtained were expressed as a definite number of scores on the Neurological Patient's Functional Independence Scale developed by the author. The study was conducted twice among the same patients.