A Cross-Sectional Study: Determining Factors of Functional Independence and Quality of Life of Patients One Month after Having Suffered a Stroke

Abstract

(1) Background: loss of quality of life (QoL) and functional independence are two of the most common consequences of suffering a stroke. The main objective of this research is to study which factors are the greatest determinants of functional capacity and QoL a month after suffering a stroke so that they can be considered in early interventions. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted which sample consisted of 81 people who had previously suffered a stroke. The study population was recruited at the time of discharge from the Neurology Service and Stroke Unit of the hospitals of Burgos and Córdoba, Spain, through a consecutive sampling. Data were collected one month after participants experienced a stroke, and the main study variables were quality of life, measured with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL), and functional independence, measured with the Functional Independence Measure-Functional Assessment Measure (FIM-FAM). (3) Results: the factors associated with a worse QoL and functional capacity one month after having suffered a stroke were living in a different dwelling than the usual flat or house (p < 0.05), a worse cognitive capacity (p < 0.001) and a worse functional capacity of the affected upper limb (p < 0.001). A higher age was related to a worse functional capacity one month after suffering a stroke (p = 0.048). (4) Conclusions: the type of dwelling, age, cognitive ability and functional capacity of the affected upper limb are determining aspects in functional independence and QoL during the first weeks after a stroke.

Effects of Rehabilitation Robot Training on Physical Function, Functional Recovery, and Daily Living Activities in Patients with Sub-Acute Stroke

“…The loss of functional independence is commonly observed in patients with stroke. When patients with acute stroke receive rehabilitation therapy for six months, they often achieve the highest level of functional independence, which is significantly associated with an improved quality of life [45,46]. In this study, concerning functional independence in activities of daily living, there was a significant increase in FIM scores within the rehabilitation robot training group compared to the baseline.…”

Efficacy of a Rehabilitation Program Using Mirror Therapy and Cognitive Therapeutic Exercise on Upper Limb Functionality in Patients with Acute Stroke

“…It is of vascular origin, causing signs of neurologic deficit with rapid onset. These clinical signs can be focal or global, and if they last more than 24 h, without a clear cause that can cause death [ 1 , 2 ]. Since 1990, the incidence of strokes has increased by 70%, and deaths from strokes has increased by 43%, with a worrying rising trend in those under 70 years of age [ 3 ].…”

“…Since 1990, the incidence of strokes has increased by 70%, and deaths from strokes has increased by 43%, with a worrying rising trend in those under 70 years of age [ 3 ]. Today, this disease is the second leading cause of death worldwide and ranks third in terms of mortality and disability [ 2 ]. In 2019, there were 12.2 million strokes and 101 million prevalent strokes [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…The vast majority of stroke cases occur due to potentially modifiable risk factors, which demonstrates the huge work that remains to be done to improve the prevention of this Healthcare 2024, 12, 569 2 of 14 disease by reducing exposure to risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, and abdominal fat [5,6]. In Spain, stroke is considered the leading cause of disability in adulthood and the second cause of dementia, significantly reducing the quality of life of patients and therefore that of their close social circle, directly affecting the health system [2].…”

Mobile App Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke: A Systematic Literature Review

“…It is also notable that stroke, caused by ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions, is the second-leading cause of death and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined worldwide [ 9 , 10 ] and that it occurs more frequently in people over the age of 65. PD [ 11 ], MS [ 12 ], and stroke [ 13 ] result in compromised mobility and cognition, and/or the experience of persisting symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and pain, which negatively impact patients’ independence and quality of life (QoL) [ 14 , 15 ].…”