Latent profile analysis and associated factors of rehabilitation motivation in stroke patients

Rehabilitation motivation is a critical determinant of recovery outcomes in stroke patients, yet its underlying profiles and associated factors remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to delineate distinct latent profiles of rehabilitation motivation and examine their demographic and clinical correlates. Research Methods/Design: A total of 429 stroke patients were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, between January and April 2022 using convenience sampling. Participants completed the General Information Questionnaire, Stroke Rehabilitation Motivation Scale, and Stroke Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was conducted using the seven dimensions of Stroke Rehabilitation Motivation Scale to identify motivational subgroups, and their predictors were analyzed via multinomial logistic regression.

Four unique motivation profiles were identified: Low group (7.7%), low introjected group (30.8%), balanced motivation group (28.6%), and high regulation group (32.9%). Significant differences (p < .05) were observed among groups in gender, age, employment status, education level, medical insurance, income, stroke frequency, primary caregiver, dizziness/headache symptoms, disease guidance, self-care ability, and Stroke Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire scores.

This study revealed four distinct rehabilitation motivation profiles and their predictors in stroke patients. These findings provide a foundation for clinicians to accurately identify patient subgroups and implement tailored interventions, ultimately optimizing rehabilitation motivation and improving recovery outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).