Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of creative art therapy plus conventional
physical therapy, compared with physical therapy only, in increasing cognitive
ability, physical functions, psychological status and quality of life of stroke
patients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor. SETTING: An
in-patient setting PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and eighteen stroke patients aged 50
years who could communicate verbally. INTERVENTIONS:
All participants received
conventional physical therapy five days per week. An intervention group received
additional creative art therapy, twice a week for four weeks, in a rehabilitation
ward. MAIN OUTCOMES: Cognitive function, anxiety and depression, physical
performance and quality of life were measured with the Abbreviated Mental Test,
the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the modified Barthel Index scale and
the pictorial Thai Quality of Life questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Mean
differences for the intervention group were significantly greater than the
control group for depression (-4.5, 95% CI -6.5, -2.5, p< 0.001), physical
functions (1.2, 95% CI 0.1, 2.3, p= 0.043) and quality of life (8.9, 95% CI 3.8,
13.8, p< 0.001).Compared with baseline measures, both groups experienced improved
cognition, physical functions and quality of life and reduced anxiety and
depression. Eighty-five percent of patients were satisfied with the creative art
therapy and most reported improved concentration (68.5%), emotion (79.6%),
self-confidence (72.2%) and motivation (74.1%). CONCLUSION: Creative art therapy
combined with conventional physical therapy can significantly decrease
depression, improve physical functions and increase quality of life compared with
physical therapy alone.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS