Returning to Work after Stroke: Associations with Cognitive Performance, Motivation, Perceived Working Ability and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts an individual's ability to return to work.
• Understanding factors influencing return-to-work is crucial for patient recovery and societal reintegration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate post-stroke return-to-work.
• To examine associations between return-to-work and cognitive performance, motivation, perceived working ability, and self-perceived barriers.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 77 stroke patients (<69 years).
• Utilized cognitive screening (CoMet), work-related questionnaires, and motivation assessments.
• Developed a predictive model for return-to-work and analyzed work life management.

Main Results:

• Cognitive performance significantly predicted return-to-work, especially in the first 6 months.
• Cognitive dysfunction was present in 3 out of 5 individuals who ceased working.
• Self-perceived working ability and barriers were strong predictors at 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive function is a critical predictor for post-stroke return-to-work.
• Individual perceptions of working ability and barriers also play a vital role in successful return-to-work.