Anosognosia for Hemiplegia and Falls After Stroke: A Prospective Correlational Study.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the association between the presence and severity of anosognosia for hemiplegia (AHP) and falls in stroke survivors.

Design: A prospective, correlational research design was utilized.

Methods: Primary instrumentation included demographic information and the Visual-Analogue Test for Anosognosia for motor impairment (VATA-m). Correlational and regression analyses were performed between a priori variables.

Results: There was no statistically significant relationship found between AHP and falls. An incidental finding included that clinicians erroneously charted that their patients were aware of their physical limitations 100% of the time, which indicates that there is discord between clinicians and patients regarding physical limitations.

Conclusions: Though no statistically significant relationship was found between AHP and falls, the incidental finding of dissonance between the patient and the clinician has important clinical implications.

Relevance: The relationship between AHP and stroke rehabilitation outcomes is still not understood, and incorporating part of the VATA-m into patient assessment could improve clinician understanding of patient awareness.