Approaches for improving the toileting problems of hemiplegic stroke patients with poor standing balance

[Purpose] Our objective was to evaluate the residual dynamic and static functionality in the sitting position of hemiplegic stroke patients who require help to pull their lower garments up and down during toileting. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 11 hemiplegic patients. We gathered data on the patients’ motor paralysis, sensory capacity, lower extremity muscle strength, trunk control, ability to roll and sit up from a lying position, sitting balance, and ability to pull the lower garments up and down. We then compared 2 groups: those able to pull the lower garments up and down independently while standing (the “independent group”), and those who were unable to do so (the “non-independent group”). [Results] Though the non-independent group had severely and significantly reduced trunk control and abilities as a whole, there was no significant difference from the independent group in static and dynamic sitting balance. [Conclusion] We conclude that, to enable hemiplegic patients with poor standing balance to pull their lower garments up and down, it is necessary to do these maneuvers in a sitting, rather than a standing, position, or to develop garments that are easier to put on and take off.