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Chronic stroke survivors with upper limb spasticity: linking experience to the ICF
Shannon Pike1,2, Natasha A Lannin1,3,4, Lisa Cameron5
1School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport (Occupational Therapy), La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|March 16, 2021
Summary
Upper limb spasticity significantly impacts stroke survivors, affecting body functions and daily activities. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Comprehensive Core Set needs additions to fully capture survivor experiences.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Upper limb spasticity is a common and disabling consequence of stroke.
- Understanding the lived experience of stroke survivors with spasticity is crucial for effective rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the impact of upper limb spasticity on stroke survivors.
- To link survivor experiences to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten community-dwelling adults with chronic stroke and upper limb spasticity.
- Interview data were analyzed using content analysis and mapped to the ICF Comprehensive Core Set for stroke.
Main Results:
- 439 meaningful concepts were identified and linked to ICF categories, predominantly Body Function (n=178), Activities and Participation (n=137), and Environmental Factors (n=115).
- The ICF Comprehensive Core Set for stroke required an additional eight categories to fully represent the participants' experiences.
- Survivors' experiences centered on mental functions, musculoskeletal functions, object manipulation, social support, and healthcare services.
Conclusions:
- The Brief Core Set for stroke is insufficient for capturing the full experience of stroke survivors with upper limb spasticity.
- The Comprehensive Core Set for stroke, supplemented with eight specific categories, is recommended for a more complete representation.
- Rehabilitation should prioritize Body Function, Activity and Participation, and Environmental Factors, as Body Structure was less frequently mentioned.
