Functional Ability, Community Reintegration and Participation Restriction among Community-Dwelling Female Stroke Survivors in Ibadan

Abstract

BackgroundStroke is not gender-discriminatory. Yet, the subject of stroke among females has apparently not received significant attention from clinical researchers. The consequences of stroke include functional and psychosocial sequelae which may cause disability, hinder community reintegration and restrict participation. The inter-relationships among functional ability, community reintegration and participation restriction of community-dwelling, female stroke survivors in Ibadan were assessed in this descriptive study.MethodsFifty-two community-dwelling female stroke survivors (mean age = 56.55±9.91 years) were surveyed using consecutive sampling technique. Their functional ability level was measured using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) while London Handicap Scale (LHS) was used to assess their participation restriction. Data were analyzed using Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient (rho) and Mann-Whitney U test at p = 0.05.ResultsSignificantly positive correlations (p< 0.05) were found between functional ability and community reintegration (r = 0.54; p = 0.01) as well as between participation restriction and community reintegration (r = 0.34; p = 0.05). Individuals with left hemiplegia had significantly higher mean rank scores in functional ability (30.41) than those who had right hemiplegia (mean rank scores = 21.94).ConclusionFunctional ability which appears to be related to stroke laterality showed positive association with both community reintegration and participation restriction. This suggests that improving the functional ability of the stroke survivors may reduce participation restriction and enhance their reintegration into the community. A similar study which compares male and female stroke survivors in the same community is thus necessary.

The use of virtual reality for balance among individuals with chronic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Balance and coordination impairments are common complications post-stroke 1 ; these deficits impede individuals' abilities to participate in activities of daily living 2 and reintegrate back into the community. 3 Maintaining one's balance requires continuous and simultaneous data processing from multiple systems (e.g. vestibular, visual, proprioception, and cognitive reintegration).…”

Relationship between community integration and life satisfaction among stroke survivors dwelling in rural communities of southwest, Nigeria

“…This result is contrary to the findings of Aström et al [25], but in consonance with that of Hamzat et al, [30]; Obembe and Fasuyi [29] as well as HartmanMaeir et al [32]. Participating in desired occupation after stroke by rural community dwelling survivors brings purpose, meaning, and enjoyment [33] which could invariably influence satisfaction with life after stroke.…”

“…The side of stroke affectation was found to be significantly associated with community integration in this study. Often times, the disability imposed by stroke places a restriction on the functional use of the dominant side of the survivor [30,31].…”

Recent Advancement to Improve Balance in Stroke Rehabilitation.

“…When these systems have been impacted by a neurological injury, such as stroke, balance and balance-contingent activities (i.e. ambulation or maintenance of posture) are affected [Hamzat et al, 2014].…”