Whether perceived limb heaviness affects return to work among patients with ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Stroke survivors often face challenges in returning to work.
• Perceived limb heaviness is a common post-stroke symptom that may impact functional recovery.
• Understanding factors influencing return to work is crucial for patient rehabilitation and societal reintegration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between perceived limb heaviness and return to work (RTW) in ischemic stroke patients.
• To identify independent risk factors for RTW 12 months post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of data from 209 ischemic stroke patients in the CIRCLE study.
• Self-reported perceived limb heaviness assessed at 1-year follow-up.
• Statistical analysis using chi-square tests and logistic regression to determine independent risk factors for RTW.

Main Results:

• 37.8% of participants returned to work 12 months after stroke.
• Perceived limb heaviness was independently associated with a lower rate of RTW (OR=0.235, P=0.009).
• Having two sons was independently associated with an increased chance of RTW (OR=3.990, P=0.016).

Conclusions:

• Perceived limb heaviness after ischemic stroke is linked to a reduced likelihood of returning to work.
• The presence of two sons may be a positive factor influencing RTW in stroke survivors.
• Further research into the mechanisms behind these associations is warranted for targeted interventions.