Abstract:
Cerebrovascular accident or Stroke is main cause that led to disability. The severity of stroke depends on the pathology of the brain lesion and there are varying chief complaints. Particularly, upper extremity dysfunction is present in 70 % of stroke patients. Meanwhile, the 35 % of depression is emotional symptom in post stroke. Upper extremity dysfunction and depression affect occupational performance in stroke patients. Art as purposeful activities are types of therapeutic media in occupational therapy to recover stroke patients as far as possible. Umbrella painting activity as art also is believed to encourage upper extremity function and decrease depression in stroke patients. The present study was to investigate the effects of umbrella painting activity on upper extremity function and depression in stroke patients. Recruitment was in Chiang Mais rehabilitation center. Sample size was calculated with 22 stroke patients and divided into experimental group and control group equally. The experimental group received painting activity combined with conventional therapy, and the control group received only conventional therapy. The measurements were 1) The Functional Test for Hemiplegic Upper Extremity in Persons with Hemiplegia - Thai Version and 2) The Patient Health Questionnaire - Thai version. The statistical analysis was the Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test and the Mann Whitney U - test. As a result, the experimental group showed significantly improved upper extremity function and reduced depressive symptoms (p > 0.05). The control group improved in upper extremity function and reduced depressive symptoms, but not significantly. Compared between groups, there was no difference in upper extremity function and reduced depressive symptoms after the session. Therefore, umbrella painting activity combined with conventional therapy able to improve upper extremity function and reduce depressive symptoms compared to conventional practice.