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Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
Functional and psychosocial outcomes 1 year after mild stroke
Theresa L Green1, Kathryn M King
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. greentl@ucalgary.ca
Summary
Mild stroke survivors show functional recovery, but patients and their wives experience worsening depression and marital function post-discharge. Caregiver strain improved, yet overall psychosocial well-being requires attention beyond physical recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Mild stroke survivors are often discharged quickly without consistent rehabilitation.
- Post-discharge recovery trajectories for male patients and their spousal caregivers are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the 12-month recovery trajectory of male mild stroke survivors and their wife-caregivers.
- To assess changes in functional outcomes, quality of life (QOL), depression, caregiver strain, and marital function.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 38 male stroke survivors and their wives.
- Repeated measures analyses assessed changes in patient and caregiver outcomes over 12 months.
- Logistic regression identified predictors of marital functioning at 1 year.
Main Results:
- Patients' functional status (modified Rankin Scale) and QOL improved significantly.
- Wife-caregiver QOL scores remained unchanged.
- Both patients and wife-caregivers experienced worsening depression and marital function; caregiver strain perceptions improved.
Conclusions:
- While physical function improves, psychosocial outcomes for stroke survivors and their wives can decline post-discharge.
- Rehabilitation efforts should address psychological and marital well-being, not solely functional recovery.
