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