The relationship between sensorimotor function of hemiplegic lower limb and independency in daily living activities in hemiplegic patients

Background and Aim: The aim of the present study was to find out the relationship between the various components of sensorimotor function of hemiplegic lower limb and independency in daily living activities in stroke patients. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study which included 40 hemiplegic patients. The patients were between 30 and 70 years of age and selected on a non random basis from rehabilitation clinics in Tehran. We used Fugel-Meyer assessment in order to assess sensorimotor function of hemiplegic lower limbs. Evaluation of independency in basic and instrumental activity of daily living was performed by using Barthel Index and Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The correlation was analyzed by Spearman coefficient. Results: There was a significant relationship between hemiplegic lower limb motor function and independency in BADL (P=0.002, r =0.482) and IADL (P=0.001, r =0.494). There was also a significant correlation between hemiplegic lower limb corrdination and speed and independency in BADL (P<0.001, r =0.601) and IADL (P<0.001, r =0.557). Hemiplegic lower limb joint pain had significant correlation only with independency in BADL (P=0.009, r =0.410). Hemiplegic lower limb sensation and passive joint motion had no significant correlation with independency in BADL and IADL. There was a significant correlation between hemiplegic lower limb sensorimotor function and independency in BADL (P=0.002, r =0.477) and IADL (P<0.001, r =0.495). Conclusion: The results of our study showed a relationship between hemiplegic lower limb sensorimotor function and independency in daily living activities in the stroke patients. Therefore, different components of the lower extremity sensorimotor function should be considered in the rehabilitation programs for the hemiplegic patients.