Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of the recreational therapy on the ability of social communication in stroke patients. Methods58 cases of stroke patients were divided into recreational group (28 cases) and control group (30 cases). All of them received routine rehabilitation therapy, while the recreational group received the recreational therapy in addition. All patients were evaluated with Functional Independence Measure (FIM) before and after treatment. ResultsThe scores of FIM significantly improved after treatment (P<0.05) in both groups, and the scores in social communication improved more (P<0.01) in recreational group than in control group. ConclusionRecreational therapy may improve the ability of social communication more effectively for stroke patients.

Key words: recreational therapy, stroke, rehabilitation, social communication, Functional Independence Measure