Post-stroke functional limitations and changes in use of mode of transport

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Wendel, Kerstin, Ståhl, Agneta, Risberg, Jarl, Pessah-Rasmussen, Helene, Iwarsson, Susanne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Arbetsterapi; cognition; Health Sciences; Hälsovetenskap; Medical and Health Sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Occupational Therapy; outdoor mobility; public transport; stroke
• ISSN: 1103-8128; 1651-2014; 1651-2014
• DOI: 10.1080/11038120902964450

PURPOSETo investigate the use of different modes of transport and long-term changes among stroke survivors with cognitive functional limitations (CFLs), and to study differences among sub-groups (decreased/ceased vs. unchanged and increased public transport use) regarding physical functional limitations (PFLs), CFLs, depression, and social activity outside home.METHODSurvey of 79 individuals living in the community with CFLs post-stroke (mean 26 months). Well-established and study-specific instruments were used capturing the mode of transport use, CFLs (professionally assessed and self-reported), depression symptoms, and PFLs.RESULTSOver one third of the participants reported decreased/ceased use of bus and train, among whom more PFLs were found in comparison with those reporting unchanged use and more depression was found in comparison with those showing increased use. There were no sub-group differences concerning occurrence of CFLs and decrease in social activity. The use of own car or motorbike had largely ceased, most often replaced by Special Transportation Service or travelling by private car or taxi. Yet 27% were still frequent car drivers.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate considerably affected use of modes of transport after stroke, and higher frequencies of PFLs and symptoms of depression among those with decreased/ceased public transport use.