Social participation of individuals with chronic stroke

Abstract

This study aimed to describe and compare differences in restrictions in social participation of chronic stroke subjects, considering the impairments, mobility limitations, and personal factors. Restrictions in social participation was measured by the LIFE-H 3.1- Brasil; impairments by the Geriatric Depression Scale and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA); mobility limitations by gait speed and Timed Up & Go (TUG) test; whereas personal factors included sex, age, family status, and time after stroke onset. Significant restrictions in the recreation area were found. In general, restrictions in social participation were observed in participants with scores ≤28 at the FMA-lower extremity section, depressive symptoms, limited-community ambulation status, risk of falls, and time after stroke ≤5 years. Those with scores ≤45 FMA-upper extremity showed greater restrictions in some areas of daily activities. Women showed greater restrictions in the social roles. The results suggested that impairments and limitations related to the lower extremity, depressive symptoms, and time after stroke onset should be considered for the assessment of stroke subjects, when the rehabilitation goal is to increase social participation.