Predictors of long-term participation after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
(1) To explore factors that predict long-term participation after stroke (2-4 years after discharge from rehabilitation), and (2) to determine factors that predict both short- and long-term participation.


METHODS
Biopsychosocial data of people who had had a stroke were measured at discharge from an intensive rehabilitation unit using valid instruments. Six months later (n=102) as well as 2-4 years later (n=66), social participation of the survivors was measured in their living environments. Participation was estimated with the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H), which includes 12 categories of daily activities and social roles.


RESULTS
From multivariate regression analyses, the best predictors of long-term participation after stroke appear to be age, comorbidity, motor coordination, upper extremity ability and affect. Age, comorbidity, affect and lower extremity coordination are the best predictors of participation after stroke at both measurement times.


CONCLUSIONS
With the exception of age, these factors may be positively modified and thus warrant special attention in rehabilitation interventions.
Desrosiers
Johanne
J
Research Centre on Aging, Sherbrooke Geriatric University Institute, 1036 Belvedere Sud, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H 4C4. johanne.desrosiers@USherbrooke.ca
Noreau
Luc
L
Rochette
Annie
A
Bourbonnais
Daniel
D
Bravo
Gina
G
Bourget
Annick
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012919:Social Behavior; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors