Perceived participation after stroke: The influence of activity retention, reintegration, and perceived recovery

OBJECTIVE. We sought to determine the extent to which perceptions of participation in everyday occupations were affected in a sample of people with predominantly mild stroke. Demographic variables, stroke severity, community integration, participation in everyday occupations, and perceptions of recovery were examined as potential contributors to their perceptions of participation. METHOD. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 116 people with mild to moderate first stroke assessed approximately 6 mo after stroke. RESULTS. Perceptions of participation assessed using the Stroke Impact Scale varied (range = 19-100), with a mean score of 82. Regression analyses revealed three factors that contributed to perceptions of participation: retention of previous activities, reintegration in home and community, and perception of stroke recovery. CONCLUSION. Although the majority of participants reported a high level of perceived participation, more than a third failed to report successful participation.