1Department of Nursing, Kimcheon Science College 2Department of Nursing, Kyungpook University 3Department of Nursing, Daegu Polytechnic College
Abstract
Purpose: This study was done to investigate the effects of a rehabilitation program including Koryo Hand-Acupuncture on physical function, self-esteem, and quality of life of post-stroke elderly patients. Method: A nonequivalent control group pre-post test research design was used. Participants in the study were 44 post-stroke elderly people (22 in an experimental group, 22 in a control group) enrolled in a social welfare center and a hospital in K city. Data were collected from April 6 to August 20, 2004. The program consisted of Koryo Hand-Acupuncture, ROM exercise, health education and supportive care. The analyses were carried using frequencies, percentages, $x^2$-test, Fisher exact and t-test with SPSS 10.0. Results: The patients in the experimental group, who took part in the 10-weeks rehabilitation program including Koryo Hand-Acupuncture, had significant increases in shoulder joint flexion, shoulder joint abduction, elbow joint flexion, hip joint flexion, knee joint flexion, knee joint extension, flexibility, self-esteem and quality of life as compared to the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that a rehabilitation program including Koryo Hand-Acupuncture may be utilized as an effective nursing program to improve physical function, self-esteem and quality of life for post-stroke elderly patients.