Stroke Specific Quality Of Life Research Articles

Validation of Marathi Version of Stroke-specific Quality of Life.

Background and Purpose:One of the most important patient-centered outcomes in patients with stroke is quality of life. Apart from physical affection, stroke affects cognitive, emotional language along with social functioning. Stroke-specific quality of life (SSQOL) is a measure to assess the quality of life in patients with stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability and validity of Marathi version of SSQOL in patients with stroke.Methodology:Translation of SSQOL in Marathi language was performed in accordance with the published guidelines. Validation of Marathi version of SSQOL was carried out by 130 patients with stroke with minimum 1 year of duration of stroke. Reliability was measured with the help of 36 volunteers diagnosed with stroke.Results:There were no major changes in the translated version, except in three items. Reliability was found to be 0.82 and validity was found to be 0.93. Floor and ceiling effects were found to be 11.3% and 6.3%, respectively.Conclusion:Marathi version of SSQOL is a valid, reliable instrument for measuring self-reported health-related quality of life in patients with stroke.

Social participation following a stroke: an assessment in accordance with the international classification of functioning, disability and health

Objective: Evaluate, code and qualify the participation of Brazilian stroke survivors based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and identify predictors of post-stroke participation.Methods: An exploratory, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 78 individuals with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke. The stroke specific quality of life (SS-QOL) was used to evaluate the participation component of the ICF. The geriatric depression scale was used to screen depressive symptoms; the functional independence measure (FIM) was used to measure the degree of dependence; grip strength was determined using a dynamometer; and cognitive status was evaluated using the mini mental state examination. The one-way analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni test was used for the comparison the participation scores of different groups (age and marital status). The independent t-test was used for the comparisons of the other groups (sex, time since the occurrence of stroke (<12 months or >12 months) and degree of functional independence). Multiple linear regression was employed to identify measures capable of predicting participation.Results: Based on the classification and qualifiers of the ICF, the individuals analyzed exhibited a moderate level of participation. Participation was significantly associated with time since the occurrence of stroke (F = 2.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −23.67–0.34; p = 0.05), degree of functional independence (F = 2.40; 95% CI = −33.0 to −18.93; p < 0.001) and marital status (married or widowed) (F = 2.6; p = 0.05). No statistically significant associations were found with regard to age, sex or affected side of the body. Functional independence was the main predictor of participation (F = 99.2; r2 = 0.57; p <0.001) and the occurrence of depressive symptoms was a moderate predictor (F =12.78; r2 = 0.40; p = 0.001).Conclusions: Twenty-four ICF categories were coded and qualified with the use of the SS-QOL, enabling the participation component of the ICF biopsychosocial model to be easily evaluated in clinical practice. Overall, the sample in the present study demonstrated a moderate decline in participation following a stroke and only the “social roles” domain was severely affected. The FIM was the main predictor of participation and the depression was a moderate predictor. Therefore, health professionals involved in the rehabilitation of these patients should focus on the promotion of functional independence and improvements in emotional health to optimize social participation following a stroke.Implications for RehabilitationThe Brazilian stroke individuals analyzed exhibited a moderate level of participation.Functional independence was the main predictor of participation and the occurrence of depressive symptoms was a moderate predictor. Age, sex and affected side of the body were not predictors of participation.Our findings support that twenty-four International classification of functioning, disability and health categories were coded and qualified with the use of the stroke specific quality of life.Rehabilitation of social functioning post stroke patients should be focused on the promotion of functional independence and improvement in emotional health.This study offers a participation assessment model that can facilitate the incorporation of the ICF in the clinical practice.

Association of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life after Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Objective: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is associated with increased mortality, disability and cognitive decline, depression in stroke survivors. This study examined the association between SVD burden, defined by a combination of SVD markers, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in acute ischemic stroke.Methods: Patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke of any etiology were prospectively screened between January 2010 to December 2014 and enrolled in the study if they met study entry criteria. HRQoL was evaluated with the 12-item Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL) at 3 months after the onset of acute ischemic stroke. SVD was ascertained by the presence of any of the SVD markers including lacune, white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebral microbleeds (CMB) and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) in the basal ganglia or their combinations on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of each individual marker scored 1 point and was summed up to generate an ordinal “SVD score” (0–4) capturing total SVD burden. Linear regression was used to determine the associations between SVD burden and HRQoL.Results: Of the743 acute ischemic stroke patients that formed he study sample (mean age: 66.3 ± 10.6 years; 41.7% women), 49.3%, 22.5%, 16.0%, 9.2% and 3.1% had SVD scores of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. After adjusting for demographic, clinical and imaging variables, the SVD score was independently associated with lower overall score of SSQoL (B = −1.39, SE = 0.56, p = 0.01), and its domains of mobility (B = −0.41, SE = 0.10, p < 0.001) and vision (B = −0.12, SE = 0.06, p = 0.03). Acute infract volume (B = −1.44, SE = 0.54, p = 0.01), functional independence (B = 5.69, SE = 0.34, p < 0.001) and anxious (B = −1.13, SE = 0.23, p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (B = −3.41, SE = 0.22, p < 0.001) were also the significant predictors of the overall score of SSQoL.Conclusion: The brain’s SVD burden predicts lower HRQoL, predominantly in domains of mobility and vision at 3 months after acute ischemic stroke. The evaluation of SVD burden could facilitate developing individual treatment strategies.

Enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with health-related quality of life in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

This study explored the association between enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. This was an observational study of consecutively screened patients with acute ischemic stroke from March 2010 to March 2015. EPVS were rated in the basal ganglia and the centrum semiovale with a validated scale. The HRQoL was assessed 3months after the stroke onset using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL). Linear regression models were used to study the association between EPVS and HRQoL. The study included 648 patients (mean age 65.8years; 40.0% women) with mild to moderately severe stroke (median NIHSS score 2), of whom 640 (98.8%) exhibited signs of small vessel disease. The median EPVS scores in the basal ganglia and the centrum semiovale were 1 each. In linear regression analysis, EPVS in the basal ganglia were associated with a lower total SSQoL score (P=0.02) and lower mobility (P=0.01), mood (P=0.03), and self-care (P<0.01). EPVS in the centrum semiovale were associated only with a lower SSQoL work/productivity subscore (P=0.002). EPVS are associated with lower HRQoL in patients with mild to moderate acute ischemic stroke. Early identification and intervention of EPVS may improve HRQoL in stroke survivors.

Validity and reliability of a Nigerian-Yoruba version of the stroke-specific quality of life scale 2.0

BackgroundPsychometric evidence is necessary to establish scientific integrity and clinical usefulness of translations and cultural adaptations of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) scale. However, the limited evidence on psychometrics of Yoruba version of SS-QoL 2.0 (SS-QoL(Y)) is a significant shortcoming. This study assessed the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, convergent, divergent, discriminant and known-group validity of the SS-QoL(Y).MethodsYoruba version of the WHOQoL-BREF was used to test the convergent and divergent validity of the SS-QoL(Y) among 100 consenting stroke survivors. The WHOQoL-BREF and SS-QoL(Y) was administered randomly in order to eliminate bias. The test-retest reliability of the SS-QoL(Y) was carried out among 68 of the respondents within an interval of 7 days. All respondents were purposively recruited from selected secondary and tertiary health facilities in South-west Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics of Spearman correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05.ResultThe physical health, psychological health, social relationship and environment domains on WHOQoL-BREF with correlation coefficient that ranged from 0.214 to 0.360 showed significant correlation with similar domains on SS-QoL(Y). Dissimilar domains between the two scales had r values from 0.035 to 0.366. Discriminant validity of SS-QoL(Y) showed that items’ r value ranged from 0.711 to 0.920 with their hypothesized domains. The scale demonstrated moderate to strong test-retest reliability with Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for the domains and overall scores (r = 0.47 to 0.81) and moderate to high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha =0.61 to 0.82) for domains scores. These correlations were also significant for the domains and overall scores (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences across different age groups or gender for the domains or overall scores of SS-QoL(Y).ConclusionsDiscriminant and known-group validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Yoruba version of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life 2.0 are adequate while the convergent and divergent validity are low but acceptable. The SS-QoL(Y) is recommended for assessing health-related quality of life among Yoruba stroke survivors.

Restless legs syndrome after high-risk TIA and minor stroke: association with reduced quality of life

BackgroundRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder that is associated with poor quality of life and depressive symptoms in the general population. Emerging evidence suggests that RLS is closely associated with cerebrovascular disease. We assessed the effect of RLS on quality of life after stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). MethodsIn this single-center prospective study, we recruited patients within 14 days of high-risk TIA or minor stroke. Patients were diagnosed with RLS using a questionnaire based on the 2003 International RLS Study Group criteria, and diagnoses were confirmed by a sleep neurologist. Follow-up assessments were conducted within 2–6 months of recruitment. The outcome of quality of life was measured using the Stroke-specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL). ResultsOf the 94 patients recruited into the study, 23 (24.4%) were diagnosed with RLS: 11 were newly diagnosed with RLS and 12 had RLS preceding the index stroke/TIA. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between those with or without RLS. Median SS-QoL in patients with RLS was lower at baseline (p = 0.008) and at follow-up (p = 0.002). RLS patients had more depressive symptoms at follow-up (p = 0.007). Ordinal logistic regression demonstrated that RLS was negatively associated with quality of life at baseline (OR = 0.28; p = 0.010) and at follow-up (OR = 0.14; p = 0.029), independent of functional outcome and depressive symptoms. ConclusionsRLS is common after stroke or TIA and negatively affects the quality of life. Screening for RLS after cerebrovascular events may be warranted, and future research should assess whether treatment of RLS can improve post-stroke quality of life.

Acupuncture treatment on the motor area of the scalp for motor dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundScalp acupuncture has shown a remarkable treatment efficacy on motor dysfunction in patients with stroke in China, especially the motor area of Jiao’s scalp acupuncture, which is the most widely used treatment. However, previous studies have summarized that the clinical curative effect of acupuncture treatment for stroke remains uncertain. Meanwhile, no randomized controlled trials on Jiao’s scalp acupuncture have been performed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiao’s scalp acupuncture for motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke.Methods/designThis is an assessor- and analyst-blinded, randomized controlled trial. One hundred and eight stroke patients with motor dysfunction meeting the inclusion criteria will be allocated by a 1:1 ratio into either an acupuncture treatment group or a control group. Stroke patients in the control group will receive conventional rehabilitation treatment, whereas a combination of Jiao’s scalp acupuncture and conventional rehabilitation treatment will be applied to the acupuncture group. Forty treatment sessions will be performed over an 8-week period. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale will be assessed as the primary outcome measure. The Modified Barthel Index, the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life, and the Stroke Syndrome of Traditional Chinese Medicine scales will be selected as secondary outcome measurements. All assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 4 (treatment 20), week 8 (treatment 40), week 12 (follow-up), and week 16 (follow-up).DiscussionThis is the first trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Jiao’s scalp acupuncture for motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke. The results of this trial are expected to provide relevant evidence demonstrating that Jiao’s scalp acupuncture can be used as an effective rehabilitation treatment method for improving motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02871453. Registered on 17 July 2016.

Increased work and social engagement is associated with increased stroke specific quality of life in stroke survivors at 3 months and 12 months post-stroke: a longitudinal study of an Australian stroke cohort

Background: There is a relative lack of longitudinal studies investigating stroke-specific outcomes and quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to identify which factors (level of disability, cognitive functioning, depressive symptoms, physical activity, and work and social engagement) were independently associated with each stroke-specific domain of QOL, adjusting for age and gender, at 3 months and 12 months post-stroke in an Australian cohort.Method: Survivors of ischemic stroke were recruited from 18 sites of the STroke imAging pRevention and Treatment (START) longitudinal cohort study. Survivors were assessed at 3 months (n = 185) and 12 months (n = 170) post-stroke using the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, and Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS).Results: WSAS was independently associated with the SIS domains of: Physical Composite function; Participation; and Perceived Recovery at 3 months and 12 months and SIS domain of Emotion at 12 months post-stroke. The presence of depressive symptoms was independently associated with the SIS domains of: Memory and Thinking; and Emotion at 3 months. At 12 months post-stroke, mRS was independently associated with SIS domain of Physical Composite function and MoCA with SIS domain of Communication.Conclusion: Engaging in work and social activities is an important factor associated with stroke-specific domains of QOL over time. It is recommended that services focus on improving work and social engagement given their importance related to QOL in the first year of recovery post-stroke. Identifying and treating those with depressive symptoms may enhance QOL in the early months post-stroke.Trial registration: START-PrePARE Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials, www.anzctr.org.au, Registry number: ACTRN12610000987066. EXTEND ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT00887328.

Abstract TP114: Cognition Independently Affects Quality of Life in Carotid Occlusive Disease

Objective: To determine whether cognition among those with carotid occlusive disease independently affects Quality of Life (QoL). Introduction: Carotid occlusion may result in stroke, TIA, and reduction in cognition. QoL has been studied in stroke patients but less is known about QoL in patients with carotid occlusive disease without stroke or significant depression. Methods: Subjects, selected from an NIH study of carotid occlusive treatment, included those with with history of TIA or a remote history of minor stroke, and excluded those with a history of stroke within 4 months prior, major deficits in ADL’s, and dementia. Because the relationship between depression and OoL is well-established, we excluded with moderate-severe depression. Patients underwent cognitive examination (memory, language, motor, executive function skills), completed depression and QOL questionnaires (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D), Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL), and were rated for stroke severity (NIHSS). Age-corrected Z-scores for cognitive tests were calculated and averaged into a composite cognitive Z-score (Cog-Z). The SSQOL scores were averaged across subgroup domains. Correlation analyses were performed to determine univariate relationships between the variables, with significant values put into in a regression model to predict SSQOL. Results: Among 24 subjects (mean age=58.38 (2.01); 10 women), mean Cog-Z was –1.06 SD (Low Average range), mean CES-D score was 10.77 (normal range), mean NIHSS was 0.46 (normal range), and the mean SSQOL score was 3.92 (needing “a little help”). The correlations between NIHSS, history of prior stroke, and SSQOL were nonsignificant. In a regression model including Cog-Z and CES-D, Cog-Z was an independent predictor of SSQOL (Beta=.389, p=.038). Conclusions: In patients with carotid occlusive disease without major stroke, cognitive scores were independently associated with QOL. Even minor reductions in cognition influenced QoL and were distinct from the influence of depression. These data further establish the clinical relevance of cognitive decline among patients with cerebrovascular conditions.

Abstract WP358: A Population-Based Study of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes: The BASIC Project

Background: We evaluated 3-month neurologic, functional, cognitive, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) overall, and by sex and ethnicity in a population-based community study. Methods: Spontaneous ICH patients were identified from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project from November 2008 to December 2013. Demographics and Glasgow Coma Scale were abstracted from medical records. Outcomes assessed included neurologic (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS): range, 0-42), functional (activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living: range 1-4, higher worse), cognitive (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (mMMSE): range, 0-100), and QOL (Short-form Stroke Specific QOL scale: range, 0-5, higher better). Ethnic and sex differences were assessed with Tobit regression adjusted for age, sex or ethnicity, and presenting Glasgow Coma Scale. Results: A total of 245 patients completed baseline interviews, with 103 (42%) dying prior to follow-up, leaving 142 eligible for outcome assessment. 3-month follow up was completed on 100 (neurologic), 107 (functional), 79 (cognitive), and 83 (QOL) participants. Median age was 66 (interquartile range (IQR), 58.0-77.0). The overall median 3-month NIHSS was 2.0 (IQR, 1.0-6.0), with other baseline characteristics and outcomes shown in Table 1. Cognitive outcomes were worse in Mexican Americans (MA) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) after multivariable adjustment (MA scoring 13.3 mMMSE points lower than NHW (95% CI: 5.8, 20.7; p=.0005)). There was no difference by sex or ethnicity in neurological, functional, or QOL outcomes either before or after adjustment. Conclusions: In this population-based study, ICH survivors have remarkably favorable neurologic, functional, cognitive and QOL outcomes. There is an important disparity for worse cognitive outcome in MAs compared with NHWs.

The analysis on multi-factors influencing long-term life quality of middle-aged and elderly patients with ischemic stroke

Objectives To investigate the factors influencing long-term quality of life(QOL)of patients with first-episode ischemic stroke(IS)and partial side limb dysfunction. Methods 126 cases of the first ischemic stroke patients with partial side limb dysfunction admitted to hospital from November 2012 to July 2013 in Shanghai First People's Hospital were selected.General information of patients was collected and evaluated using NIH Stroke Scale(NIHSS)and Modified Rankin Scale(MRS). Following-up was conducted using NIHSS, MRS, stroke specific quality of life(SS-QOL)and Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)during 2-3 years after stroke.Factors related to long-term QOL were screened by single factor analysis, then factors influencing QOL by multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results The average QOL score of patients with first IS partial side limb dysfunction was(181.5 ± 46.4)points scale.In each single scoring, the scale was(10.4±4.3)points in energy, (10.8±4.2)points in family roles, (21.8±6.2)points in language, (22.5±7.6)points in activity, (18.5±6.3)points in mood, (10.1±4.4)in personality, (19.2±5.9)points in self-care ability, (16.1±7.0)points in social roles, (11.65±3.31)points in thinking, (19.1±6.6)points in upper limb function, (14.0±2.0)points in visual acuity, (8.7±4.1)points in work.The multiple regression analysis showed that the influencing factors of life quality included long-term NIHSS evaluation(β=-0.376, P<0.01), HAMD evaluation(β=-0.375, P<0.01), hypertension history(β=-0.178, P<0.05). HAMD evaluation affected 9 fields of QOL, and NIHSS as long-term evaluation affected 6 fields of QOL. Conclusions Predictive factors for declined QOL of first-episode ischemic stroke patients with partial side limb dysfunction include higher NIHSS score, severer depression after long-term stroke and combined hypertension in the early stage.These indicate that recovering of body structure and function injury, control of hypertension, effective prevention and treatment of post-stroke depression maybe important measures for improving life quality of ischemic stroke patients with partial side limb dysfunction. Key words: Stroke; Quality of life; Factor analysis, statistical

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation of stroke patients on depression and quality of life

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to assess the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on depression and quality of life (QOL) in patients with stroke, by conducting conventional occupational therapy with and without tDCS on 20 patients each. [Subjects and Methods] The experimental group (N=20) received both tDCS and conventional occupational therapy, while the control group (N=20) received false tDCS and conventional occupational therapy. The treatment was conducted 20 times over a four-week period; each session was 30 minutes long. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to score the depression levels in patients before and after the intervention, while the stroke-specific quality of life (SS-QOL) was measured to compare the QOL. [Result] Following the intervention, the patients in the experimental group showed a significant decrease in depression and an increase in the QOL. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in depression or QOL. Our findings indicate that tDCS decreased depression while increasing QOL in patients with stroke. [Conclusion] In other words, our study confirmed that the application of tDCS during stroke rehabilitation improves the depression symptoms and QOL in patients.

Scalp acupuncture for dyskinesia after ischemic stroke: Study protocol for a parallel randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Scalp acupuncture formed by combining traditional Chinese acupuncture techniques and modern theories in medical anatomy has been widely used to treat ischemic stroke in China, but effective clinical trials that verify its efficacy are lacking. This study proposes to verify the effects of Lu's scalp acupuncture on ischemic stroke by comparing differential improvement of motor function between conventional rehabilitation alone and conventional rehabilitation with Lu's scalp acupuncture. Methods/Design: We will conduct a randomized, controlled, parallel, clinical trial. We will collect 116 ischemic stroke patients with dyskinesia from Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Huashan Hospital, Fudan University in China. All patients will be equally randomized into either a control group (conventional rehabilitation) or an experimental group (scalp acupuncture + conventional rehabilitation). In the control group, patients will receive conventional rehabilitation according to the Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation in China. In the experimental group, conventional rehabilitation will be supplemented with oblique acupuncture at approximately 30° and an insertion depth of 25–35 mm in the anterior oblique line of vertex-temporal (MS6). Twisting speed will be 200 times per minute. Acupuncture will be performed 30 minutes, once per day. Patients in both groups will receive rehabilitation five times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be the difference in Fugl-Meyer assessment motor function score between posttreatment (4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months of follow-up) and baseline. The secondary outcomes will be differences in the Modified Barthel Index, stroke-specific quality of life, and stroke syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine. Discussion: This trial will provide objective data on the effectiveness of scalp acupuncture in ischemic stroke patients with dyskinesia. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03120650. Ethics: The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China on 23 October 2013, approval number 2013LCSY056. Informed consent: Written informed consent will be provided by subject guardians.

3D 모션입력장치를 이용한 거울치료가 뇌졸중 환자의 상지 운동 기능, 삶의 질, 우울감에 미치는 영향

PURPOSE : The purpose of this study was to identify whether 3D motion input device based mirror therapy could improve on upper extremity function, quality of life and depression in chronic stroke patients METHOD : Thirty six patients with chronic stroke were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups: 3D leapmotion mirror therapy group, mirror therapy group, and sham therapy group. 3D leapmotion mirror therapy group performed 3D motion input device based mirror therapy, mirror therapy group performed general mirror therapy, control group performed sham therapy. All patients received a total of 15 exercise session over a 5 week period (three times per week). Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremity(FMA-UE), Stroke Specific-Quality of Life(SS-QOL), Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) were performed prior to and five weeks after the treatment RESULT : Subjects in the 3D leapmotion mirror therapy group showed significant improvements in upper extremity function, quality of life and depression following training. The changes of upper extremity function, quality of life and depression in the 3D leapmotion mirror therapy group were significantly more than them of the control group. CONCLUSION : The result of this study suggest that 3D motion input device based mirror therapy is an intervention to improve on upper extremity function, quality of life and depression in chronic stroke patients.

Construct validity of the items on the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) questionnaire that evaluate the participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Purpose: Analyze the construct validity and internal consistency of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) items that address the participation component of the ICF as well as analyze the ceiling and floor effects.Methods: One hundred subjects were analyzed: 85 community-dwelling and 15 institutionalized individuals. The analysis of construct validity was performed using classic psychometrics: (1) the comparison of known groups (individuals without restriction to participation vs. those with restriction to participation) using the Mann–Whitney test and (2) convergent validity – correlation between the scores on the SS-QOL items that address participation and the subscale scores of measures used to evaluate the similar constructs and concepts [the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and grip strength test]. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated for this analysis. Cronbach’s α was used for the analysis of internal consistency and both the ceiling and floor effects were analyzed. The level of significance for all analyses was α = 0.05.Results: The a priori hypotheses regarding construct validity were partially demonstrated, as only five of the eight domains exhibited positive moderate to strong correlations (r > 0.40) with measures that address constructs similar to those addressed on the SS-QOL questionnaire. The items demonstrated adequate internal consistency and are capable of differentiating individuals with and without restriction to participation. The ceiling and floor effects were considered adequate for the total SS-QOL score, but beyond acceptable standards for some domains.Conclusions: The 26 items of the SS-QOL questionnaire measure a multidimensional construct and therefore do not only address participation. However, the items demonstrated adequate internal consistency and are capable of differentiating individuals with and without restriction to participation.Implications for rehabilitationThe 26 items of the SS-QOL questionnaire demonstrated adequate internal consistency and are capable of differentiating individuals with and without restriction to participation.The present findings can guide healthcare professionals regarding the selection of an assessment tool for the evaluation of post-stroke participation.The findings can lead to consistent and standardization evaluations, which facilitates comparisons and discussion on functional health and social participation after stroke.

Poststroke agitation and aggression and social quality of life: a case control study

Background and objective: Aggression and agitation are common after a stroke. The association between agitation/aggression following stroke and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in stroke survivors is unknown. This study aimed to examine the association between agitation/aggression and HRQoL in Chinese stroke survivors.Methods: Three hundred and twenty-four stroke patients entered this cross-sectional study. Agitation/aggression was assessed using the Chinese version of Neuropsychiatric Inventory (CNPI). HRQoL was measured with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL).Results: Three months after the index stroke, agitation/aggression was found in 60 (18.5%) patients. In the agitation/aggression group, 44 patients (73.3%) showed passive agitation/aggression, whereas 16 (26.7%) displayed passive and active agitation/aggression. No patients showed only active agitation/aggression. Patients with agitation/aggression were more likely to have history of diabetes and greater severity of depression, as well as lower SSQoL total score and Personality Changes and Social Role scores. Controlling for diabetes and depression severity did not alter the above results. The Energy and Thinking scores of the SSQoL were significantly lower in the passive/active agitation/aggression group relative to the passive agitation/aggression group (adjusted for CNPI aggression/agitation score).Conclusion: In this study sample, agitation/aggression was preponderantly of the passive type and was associated with poorer HRQoL independently from depression or medical conditions. Patients with both passive and active agitation/aggression had lower Quality of Life (QoL) than patients with only passive agitation/aggression. The causality of the association between low QoL and agitation/aggression needs to be explored in future studies.

Prevalence and impact of disability and sexual dysfunction on Health-Related Quality of Life of Nigerian stroke survivors

Purpose: To investigate the impact of disability and sexual dysfunction on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Nigerian stroke survivors (SSv) and to determine their association using sexual functioning (SF), Global Disability Measure and Function (GDMF), and demographic profiles.Methods: This study involved 121 consecutive SSv attending healthcare services in two tertiary health facilities in Nigeria. Demographic details were obtained through interview while HRQoL, SF, and Global Disability (GD) were assessed using Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL-12), Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14), and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-2.0), respectively. Determinants of HRQoL were explored using the Poisson regression analysis.Results: Most of the SSv had moderate/severe GD (95%) and low SF (86.8%). Their HRQoL decreased with increase in their age (p = 0.005) and with increase in GD (p = 0.001). This association remained unchanged even when adjusted for SF (p = 0.001). Those with low SF but with mild GD had relatively better HRQoL than those with moderate/severe GD even when they had higher SF. Their HRQoL was negatively impacted by their GD but not by their SF despite direct correlation between SF and HRQoL. With a unit increase in level of GD, there was 8% decrease in HRQoL scores in psychosocial and 17% decrease in physical domains.Conclusion: Although sexual dysfunction and global disability are prevalent among Nigerian SSv, their low HRQoL is determined by their disability and not by SF. Hence, effort at reducing global disability should be the focus of rehabilitation after stroke.Implication for RehabilitationGlobal functional and sexual deficiencies abound in stroke survivors and they impact negatively on their overall quality of life.Sexual dysfunction correlates negatively on physical and psychosocial wellbeing of stroke survivors.Rehabilitation goal(s) should focus disability reduction and improvement of sexual functioning to enhance quality of life.Rehabilitation professionals should equip themselves with tools to counsel stroke survivors on sex issue since sexual dysfunction is common post stroke.

Clinically important difference of Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Health-related quality of life measurements, are commonly used to quantify burden of disease, to evaluate treatment method, and to facilitate benchmarking. The aim of the current study was to determine the Clinically Important Difference (CID) for a Chinese version of Stroke-specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) in an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patient cohort. The study recruited SAH patients in a neurosurgical unit in Hong Kong. SAH patients who completed both 3-month and 1-year assessments were included in the analysis. The study received ethical approvals from the joint CUHK-NTEC Clinical Ethics Committee and written informed consent was obtained from all participants or their next of kins. Over a 2-year period, 65 eligible patients were included in the study. Employing the anchor-based approach with global rating of change, the CID estimate of SS-QOL total score was 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5–5.3), the CID estimate for SSQOL physical subscore was 2.1 (95% CI: 0.3–2.4), and the CID estimate for SS-QOL psychosocial subscore change was 2.8 (95% CI: 1.8–3.7). In conclusion, our study defined the CID for SS-QOL applied to SAH patients and should be further validated in another SAH patient population.

Determinants of disease-specific health-related quality of life in Turkish stroke survivors.

Stroke is a worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality that affects health-related quality of life. In this study, our objective was to identify determinants of disease-specific health-related quality of life in Turkish stroke survivors. A total of 114 consecutive patients who experienced a stroke at least 6 months earlier were studied. Health-related quality of life was measured using Stroke-specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) consisting of 12 domains. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including age, sex, marital status, years of education, time since stroke, whether the patient received rehabilitation before enrollment, stroke etiology, whether the dominant hand was affected or not, presence of vision defect, neglect, aphasia, and dysarthria. The patients were assessed by the functional independence measure (FIM) and the Mini-Mental State Examination. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out using a stepwise method to determine the predictors of 12 domains and the total score of the SS-QoL. The domains of work, social roles, mobility, and self-care had the lowest SS-QoL scores, whereas the highest scores were for the domains of personality, thinking, language, and vision. The total SS-QoL score was explained by the total FIM and Mini-Mental State Examination. Among the 12 domains, the mobility domain was explained the best (R=0.50) by motor FIM, previously received rehabilitation, and age, followed by the language domain (R=0.37) explained by the presence of aphasia and dysarthria, and previously received rehabilitation. The domains of mood (R=0.13) and upper extremity (R=0.19) were explained the worst. The results indicated that functional independence, age, cognitive status, and receiving a rehabilitation program were the primary determinants of the SS-QoL.

Reproducibility of the items on the Stroke Specific Quality of Life questionnaire that evaluate the participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Purpose: To evaluate the reproducibility of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) items that address the participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and analyse the correlation between the subscore of these 26 items and the total SS-QOL score.Methods: Seventy-five stroke survivors participated in this study. Reproducibility was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC) and the Bland–Altman plot. The correlation between the subscore of the 26 items and the total SS-QOL score was analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients (rho) and simple linear regression. An alpha risk ≤ 0.05 was considered for all analyses.Results: The SS-QOL items that address the participation component of the ICF demonstrated excellent reliability (intra-rater ICC2,1 = 0.96; inter-rater ICC2,1 = 0.95). The SEM and MDC were adequate. The Bland–Altman plot demonstrated satisfactory agreement. A significant and strong correlation (rho = 0.83) was found between the 26 SS-QOL items that address participation and the total SS-QOL score. Moreover, the evaluation of participation was found to explain 73% of the evaluation of health-related quality of life.Conclusion: The 26 SS-QOL items that address the participation component of the ICF demonstrated adequate reproducibility. Thus, participation, which represents the social aspects of functionality, can be adequately evaluated with these items.Implications for RehabilitationThe 26 Stroke Specific Quality of Life items that address participation proved to be reproducible for the analysis of social participation following a stroke.The findings can lead to a better understanding of the social participation of individuals with chronic hemiparesis and assist in the establishment of adequate treatment for such individuals.The rehabilitation process can be directed towards more specific goals focused on the patient expectations, thereby contributing to greater humanization and effectiveness of treatment to improve social participation following a stroke.