An exploration of participation in leisure activities post-stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to illuminate the experiences of older adults' return to leisure activities, following rehabilitation, post-stroke.


METHODS
A phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of re-engaging in leisure occupations post-stroke. In-depth interviews were conducted with five community-dwelling individuals (three men, two women) aged 68-74 years who had experienced a stroke in the past year. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.


RESULTS
Four themes emerged: (i) Re-engaging in leisure activities, (ii) acceptance of physical limitations post-stroke, (iii) gratitude for help and support and (iv) looking forward to the future.


CONCLUSIONS
Implications revealed that post-stroke interventions need a more occupation-focussed approach, including return to leisure at an earlier stage of stroke rehabilitation.
O'Sullivan
Clare
C
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Chard
Gill
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010358:Patient Participation; D011594:Psychometrics; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013637:Tape Recording; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome