Appraising motivation as a predictor of independence in individual activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of motivation on independence in activities of daily living, such as eating, getting up, and rehabilitation, in subacute stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the data of 191 first-stroke patients in a rehabilitation hospital ward. Motivation was examined using the following five elements of the Vitality Index: waking pattern, communication, feeding, on and off toilet, and rehabilitation and other activities. As an outcome measure, independence in activities of daily living, such as eating and dressing, was assessed using the Barthel Index. Logistic regression analysis was performed using the independence of each activities of daily living, as determined by the Barthel Index at discharge, as a dependent variable and each of the Vitality Index item scores as the independent variable.

RESULTS

Motivation to get up item of the Vitality Index was significantly associated with independence in grooming and dressing, whereas motivation to communicate item was significantly associated with independence in transferring ( < 0.05). Furthermore, motivation to eat item was significantly associated with independence in feeding, grooming, dressing, and transferring, whereas motivation to engage in rehabilitation and activities was significantly associated with independence in dressing, transferring, and toileting ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the motivation to eat, get up, communicate, and participate in rehabilitation and activities is associated with independence in different activities of daily living. The present study provides useful insights into the significance and interpretation of assessing motivation on independence in activities of daily living.