Self-Assessed Physical, Cognitive, and Emotional Impact of Stroke at 1 Month: The Importance of Stroke Severity and Participation

Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the self-assessed physical, emotional, and cognitive impact of stroke and to investigate associations with participation and stroke severity in early stage (1 month) poststroke. Methods: Participants (n = 104, mean age = 68) with reduced upper extremity function assessed at day 3 were included from a Swedish stroke unit. Participants were evaluated with The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at arrival, median 7.9 (0-24). The cohort was assessed for their perceived impact of stroke with the Stroke Impact Scale at 1 month poststroke. Results: The perceptions of emotional health, communication skills, and ability to remember were perceived as quite good, with a mean score of 8386. However, nearly 60% reported limitations in participation. This group also evaluated their physical function to be significantly lower compared to participants who did not report limitations in participation. Conclusions: One month poststroke, a lower score on self-assessed physical function was associated with both a perceived restriction in participation and a more severe stroke. The association of physical function and perceived participation at 1 month poststroke needs to be taken into account when planning the early rehabilitation.