Effectiveness of Training for 54 Patients with Left Unilateral Spatial Neglect

[Purpose] In this study, we examined the characteristics of left unilateral spatial neglect patients with improved conditions. [Subjects] The subjects were 54 left unilateral spatial neglect patients. [Methods] We evaluated eating, grooming, dressing and wheelchair activity which tend to be influenced by unilateral spatial neglect using functional independece measure (FIM). Based on these data, we classified subjects into two groups: the improved group and the unimproved group. We compared the two groups in terms of ages, length of time of symptoms, training contents, training periods, Brunnstrom stage, body function, and neuropsychological assessments using statistical analysis. [Results] A significant difference was observed in age, body function, and neuropsychological assessments between the two groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that reinforcement of body function and general recognition are necessary to improve the condition of left unilateral spatial neglect.