A pilot randomized controlled trial of community-based occupational therapy in late stroke rehabilitation

Chronic participation deficits are common following stroke. We hypothesized that a brief period of occupation-focused, client-centered occupational therapy would lead to improved participation in valued activities for individuals who had experienced strokes 6 or more months previously. Sixteen individuals were randomized to the intervention or no-treatment control group. All participants identified up to five activities in which they wished to improve. Following intervention, both groups rated their performance of these activities similarly. However, those who received the intervention rated their satisfaction with these activities significantly higher than did the participants who did not receive the occupational therapy intervention. There were no differences between postintervention measures of well-being or overall participation. Further evaluation of such a program of late stroke rehabilitation is recommended.