Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of hand acupoint massages on ADL ability and grip strength of stroke patients.
METHOD
This study was designed as a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group for pre and post-test. Twenty-eight patients were assigned to the experimental group and thirty to the control group. The hand acupoint massage was applied to both hands of the experimental group for sixteen minutes each time, a total of 15 times during five weeks. The patient's ADL ability and grip strength were measured before and after the program. The data were analyzed with mean, percent, chi-square, a paired t-test and t-test.
RESULT
The level of ADL ability was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Also, the level of grip strength was significantly higher in the experimental group of the plegic side than in the control group, but not in the normal side.
CONCLUSION
We have found that the hand acupoint massage helps the stroke patients improve their ADL ability and grip strength. Through this result, the hand acupoint massage could be considered as an effective application for rehabilitation of hemiplegic patients after stroke.