The impact of physical function on participation in the first year post-stroke

ObjectivesStudies have investigated predictors of participation and showed that fewer depressive symptoms, physical independence, and age could predict the level of participation after stroke. Association between self-assessed functions and perceived levels of participation over time is not yet known. The aim of this study was to investigate perceptions of participation and how this related to background characteristics and self-assessed rehabilitation outcomes, at 1, 6, and 12months post-stroke. Materials and MethodsTo capture experienced functioning and participation, a self-assessment questionnaire, the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), was used at 1, 6, and 12months post-stroke. Possible variables with impact on perceived participation were investigated with logistic regression: perceived physical functions, memory and thinking, emotion and communication (SIS), as well as background characteristics. In addition, directions, distributions, and strength of correlations between each independent variable and the participation domain were analyzed using scatterplots. ResultsParticipation scores were widely distributed during the first year post-stroke. Significant associations were only found between perceived Physical score and participation during the first year post-stroke (1month, n=92, P<.001; 6months, n=79, P=.001; 12months, n=78, P=.002). A moderate-to-high participation score was observed in combination with a high level of perceived emotional health and cognitive skills, at 1, 6, and 12months. ConclusionsThe findings indicate that to improve participation during the first year post-stroke, physical functioning as well as emotional and cognitive health can be important areas of concern when forming rehabilitation interventions.