Factors associated with reintegration to normal living after stroke

Abstract

Background and purpose: Emotional alterations are frequent after stroke. Anxiety is a response due to the fear from disease, although depression is a result of potential disability and restrictive lifestyle. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between reintegration to normal living (community reintegration) of patients after stroke and their functional disabilities.

Subjects and methods: Data were collected from 44 patients with chronic stroke receiving physical therapy services at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, University Clinical Center of Prishtina. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) were measured with the Barthel index (BI). Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) was used to measure reintegration into normal social activities, functional capacity was measured with six-minute walk test (6MWT), balance was evaluated with Berg Balance Scale (BBS),and motor functioning was assessed with Fugl- Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA).

Results: Based on statistical results it can be concluded that the RNLI score has correlated positively with 6MWT and BI, while age didn't demonstrate any correlation.

Conclusion: Physical impairment has immense impact in reintegration of stroke patients in society. With the improvement of physical state the quality of life is raised too, and stroke patients are easier reintegrated in the society. Patients with stronger reintegration to normal living had better outcomes in daily activity and quality of life.