Normal movement and functional approaches to rehabilitate lower limb dressing following stroke: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Dressing difficulties are common following stroke. However, specific interventions lack evidence. This pilot single-blind randomised controlled trial investigated normal movement and functional approaches to rehabilitate lower limb dressing, given to four eligible stroke inpatients. The Nottingham Stroke Dressing Assessment, Rivermead Motor Assessment and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were taken at baseline, discharge and 8 weeks. The small sample lacked power. Preliminary results indicated that while all patients improved with occupational therapy, approaches may differ in rates of motor recovery, independence and treatment duration. A total sample of 30 is required for more conclusive research to inform lower limb dressing interventions.