Is There a Role for Meaningful Activity in Stroke Rehabilitation?

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.