Physical Function of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

근위축성측삭경화증 환자의 신체적 기능 상태

  • 이윤경 (한양대학교 의과대학 간호학과) ;
  • 임난영 (한양대학교 의과대학 간호학과) ;
  • 김승현 (한양대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실)
  • Published : 2006.11.10

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to present preliminary data for the development of appropriate nursing care system for the patients with ALS by analyzing their physical function. Method: The clinical data of 36 ALS patients, who visited ALS Clinic of H University Hospital in Seoul, were collected from January, 2006 to August, 2006. To determine the physical function, Norris ALS scale and Appel ALS Rating Scale were used. The data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, range, t-test, ANOVA, using SPSS PC program. Results: The mean score of physical activity, muscle strength, upper extremity function, lower extremity function was 18.08, 27.72, 25.94, 25.19 respectively. There were significant differences in physical activity, muscle strength, and upper extremity function according to sender and comorbid disease(diabetes). Although sites of symptom onset were not statistically significant with all physical function, patients with bulbar onset showed relatively severe physical disabilities. Conclusion: The preliminary data on physical function of patients with ALS would be helpful for the development of ALS nursing guideline system.

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