Stroke patients' ability to perform everyday activities 1 and 5 years post-stroke

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in performing activities of daily living (ADL) 1 and 5 years post-stroke. Of 280 acutely ill stroke patients admitted to the Uppsala University Hospital and included in a study in 1984, 101 (52 males, 49 females, median age at onset of stroke 71 years) agreed to participate in 1 and 5 year follow-up studies. The Standardised Practical Equipment (SPE) test was used to evaluate performance on 12 ADL tasks. The SPE has been shown to have very good internal consistency and construct validity and it is easy to administer. The median scores for most tasks declined between 1 and 5 years post-stroke. There were significant differences between the males and females. In particular, 5 years post-stroke the males were much better at technical tasks and those involving balance and mobility. However, it should be borne in mind that the males were on average 7 years younger than the females. The subjects appeared to be generally happy with their overall health and life situation despite their reduced performance.