The Effect of ICF-Core Set-Based Occupational Therapy Interventions on the Function and Satisfaction of Individuals with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Stroke can affect all aspects of a person's health and functioning. Therefore, it is important occupational therapists, have a comprehensive understanding of various levels of function and the factors affecting function. The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) and the selections of ICF categories or Core Sets relevant for people with a specific health condition, offer a model for intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ICF-CS-based occupational therapy interventions on the function and satisfaction of individuals with chronic stroke. This study was designed as a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial. Twenty-five patients with stroke were randomly assigned to the control group (which received traditional occupational therapy) or the treatment group (Stroke ICF-CS based occupational therapy). Patients were evaluated before and after the intervention (two months, three sessions per week, 45 minutes each session), as well as two weeks after the end of the intervention, using Fugl-Meyer and COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) tools. The independent T-test, Chi-square, and ANOVA with repeated measures were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the interaction effect of time and group was not significant in none of the Fugl-Meyer test sections (p > 0. 05), but it was significant in the performance and satisfaction of COPM (p < 0.05). The results suggest that ICF-CS-based occupational therapy interventions may assist persons with chronic stroke improve their functional level and satisfaction.