Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Cognitive Function and Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training Post-Stroke Using a Digital Occupational Training System
Published on: December 29, 2023
Is there a role for meaningful activity in stroke rehabilitation?
Louise Gustafsson1, Kryss McKenna
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Purpose:
Stroke survivors report multiple psychosocial issues after discharge and difficulties returning to meaningful roles and activities. This study explored the impact of an occupation-based group program on activity levels, well-being, and self-efficacy after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
Methods:
This pilot study recruited participants from two hospital rehabilitation units. Both units provided individual therapy programs. Unit A provided an additional occupation-based group program. Behavioural mapping recorded participants' activity levels in hospital for one weekday and one weekend day. Outcome measures collected at recruitment, discharge, and/or 1 month after discharge included Modified Barthel Index, use of community supports, length of stay, Stroke Impact Scale, and Self- Efficacy Gauge.
Results:
Participants from Unit A (n = 8) had a significantly longer length of stay than Unit B (n = 11) and spent significantly more time in occupational therapy (P = .01). Both participant groups were more inactive on the weekday compared to the weekend (P = .03). Participants in Unit A were more likely to report low levels of social participation and stroke recovery (P <.05) on the Stroke Impact Scale.
Conclusion:
There was no indication from the results of this study that an occupation-based group program had a positive effect on the measured outcomes.
