The centrality of work in everyday life after stroke: A qualitative study of long-term stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND: Work is an occupation of great concern for younger stroke survivors. Given the high rate of people not working after stroke, there is a need to explore work after stroke from a long-term perspective, including not just an initial return to work, but also the ability to retain employment and how this may affect everyday life after stroke. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore experiences relating to work and to work incapacity among long-term stroke survivors. METHOD: This study used thematic analysis on data gathered through individual semi-structured interviews with long-term stroke survivors. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in four themes that together comprised the main theme 'The centrality of work in everyday life', containing descriptions of how everyday life was affected by aspects of work both for those who did work and those who did not return to work after stroke. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: The results highlight the importance of addressing return to work not just as an isolated outcome but as part of everyday life after stroke. The results indicate a need for a more flexible approach to supporting return to work that continues past the initial return.

Development of a Digital Tool for People With a Long-Term Condition Using Stroke as a Case Example: Participatory Design Approach.

BACKGROUND: In patient care, demand is growing for digital health tools to enable remote services and enhance patient involvement. People with chronic conditions often have multiple health problems, and long-term follow-up is recommended to meet their needs and enable access to appropriate support. A digital tool for previsit preparation could enhance time efficiency and guide the conversation during the visit toward the patient's priorities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to develop a digital previsit tool and explore potential end user's perceptions, using a participatory approach with stroke as a case example. METHODS: The digital tool was developed and prototyped according to service design principles, informed by qualitative participant data and feedback from an expert panel. All features were processed in workshops with a team that included a patient partner. The resulting tool presented questions about health problems and health information. Study participants were people with stroke recruited from an outpatient clinic and patient organizations in Sweden. Development and data collection were conducted in parallel. For conceptualization, the initial prototype was based on the Post-Stroke Checklist and research. Needs and relevance were explored in focus groups, and we used a web survey and individual interviews to explore perceived utility, ease of use, and acceptance. Data were thematically analyzed following the Framework Method. RESULTS: The development process included 22 participants (9 women) with a median age of 59 (range 42-83) years and a median of 51 (range 4-228) months since stroke. Participants were satisfied or very satisfied with using the tool and recommended its use in clinical practice. Three main themes were constructed based on focus group data (n=12) and interviews (n=10). First, valuable accessible information illuminated the need for information to confirm experiences, facilitate responses, and invite engagement in their care. Amendments to the information in turn reconfigured their expectations. Second, utility and complexity in answering confirmed that the questions were relevant and comprehensible. Some participants perceived the answer options as limiting and suggested additional space for free text. Third, capturing needs and value of the tool highlighted the tool's potential to identify health problems and the importance of encouraging further dialog. The resulting digital tool, Strokehälsa [Strokehealth] version 1.0, is now incorporated into a national health platform. CONCLUSIONS: The participatory approach to tool development yielded a previsit digital tool that the study group perceived as useful. The holistic development process used here, which integrated health information, validated questions, and digital functionality, offers an example that could be applicable in the context of other long-term conditions. Beyond its potential to identify care needs, the tool offers information that confirms experiences and supports answering the questions in the tool. The tool is freely shared for adaptation in different contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: researchweb 236341; https://www.researchweb.org/is/vgr/project/236341.

Daily life one year after corrective osteotomy for malunion of a distal radius fracture an interview study.

The aim of this study was to explore the everyday life experiences of people one year after corrective osteotomy following a symptomatic, malunited, distal radius fracture.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty respondents, median age 65 (22-81) years. The respondents were recruited consecutively. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Three authors took part in the analysis.The result is presented as one theme, 'Daily life works again' with five categories: Relief of inconveniences and symptoms, Managing new symptoms and complications, Regaining abilities, Normalised social relationships, Increased wellbeing. The symptoms had declined in severity, some participants regarded themselves as fully restored and used their hand again without hesitation. Others were still bothered by their wrist occasionally and a few had to manage complications. The participants had regained the ability to perform many everyday life activities and reported increased independence and less irritation between spouses, as well as increased wellbeing.One year after a corrective osteotomy following malunion of a distal radius fracture, the patients' experiences represent a continuum. Some are still restricted by their wrist occasionally, the majority experience an increased ease in their performance of activities of daily life and some regard themselves as fully restored. The recovery has a positive impact on social relationships and the patients' wellbeing.

Experience of enriched rehabilitation in the chronic phase of stroke.

PURPOSE: In this study, we explored the experiences of patients who participated in an enriched task-specific therapy (ETT) program in the chronic phase after stroke. METHOD: Focus group interviews were conducted with twenty participants with a mean time since stroke of 30 months and mean age 61 years, who completed the ETT program including task-specific training and environmental enrichment. ETT was delivered 3.5-6 h per day, 5½ days per week for 3 weeks in a climate suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. The training consisted of repetitive mass practice of gradually increasing difficulty. Directly after the intervention, qualitative interviews were conducted in six focus groups. The interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three main categories describing the informants' experiences of the ETT program were identified. These categories were; 1. The program-different and hard - highlighting the participants view of the ETT as strenuous and different in nature; 2. My body and mind learn to know better - describing positive changes in participants' body function and functional ability as well as behavioural changes experienced throughout the ETT; and 3. The need and trust from others - emphasizing the perceived importance of trust in rehabilitation clinicians and the support of family and other participants. From these categories, a main theme emerged: It's hard but possible-but not alone! CONCLUSION: A therapy program including task-specific training and environmental enrichment may provide late-phase stroke survivors with perceived improvements in functional ability, knowledge insights, perceptions of rehabilitation needs and enriching emotional impacts.Implications for rehabilitationETT is feasible and may lead to perceived improvements in function and a change of mindset, even in the chronic phase after stroke.Trust in the competence of the rehabilitation staff is an important factor in compliance with the high-intensity training in the ETT program.Given the lack of stimulation and socialization among many individuals with chronic stroke, the social and physical environment are important components of the ETT program.

Integrating consequences of stroke into everyday life - Experiences from a long-term perspective.

BACKGROUND: Occupational engagement encompasses both objective and subjective aspects of occupation. Long-term follow-up studies indicate that stroke can have a negative impact on the ability to perform IADL. Less is known about the subjective experiences of occupational engagement and how engagement may evolve after stroke. OBJECTIVE: To explore stroke survivors' experiences of occupational engagement and how engagement changed over time and across contexts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Repeat, semi-structured interviews 15-18 years post-stroke, analysed using thematic analysis. Eight out of nine participants were classified as having had a mild stroke at onset. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in five themes that together formed the main theme 'It takes time - integrating consequences of stroke into everyday life by engaging in occupation, using internal resources and adapting to context'. This illustrated how occupational outcome was the result of a continuous process in which occupational engagement was a way of gradually integrating consequences of stroke into everyday life. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Occupational engagement plays an important part in the process of moving on with life and can serve as both goal and means of achieving desired outcomes after stroke. Interventions that focus on enabling opportunities for occupational engagement in valued occupations and support the use of abilities and internal resources can reduce the impact of stroke in everyday life.

Physical activity on prescription at the time of stroke or transient ischemic attack diagnosis - from a patient perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity is known to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. Despite this many individuals diagnosed with stroke have an insufficient level of physical activity. Physical activity on prescription is provided within healthcare to encourage increased physical activity. PURPOSE: To examine individuals' experiences of physical activity on prescription at the time of stroke or transient ischemic attack diagnosis and explore various factors affecting the ability to follow the prescription. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A qualitative approach was undertaken; using interviews, analyzed with content analysis to elicit information from individuals who had been admitted to a stroke unit due to stroke or transient ischemic attack. RESULTS: Five women and five men (median age 60.5 years), eight with stroke and two with TIA (median NIHSS at onset 2.5), participated and the analysis resulted in an overall theme Change of life-style through physical activity on prescription - a multifaceted process containing the categories Experience of support, Barriers and opportunities and Personal motivators. CONCLUSION: Individuals need to participate in the prescription process when prescription on physical activity is initiated in acute stroke care and clinicians need to reflect on how the prescription is implemented and followed-up; creating good conditions for long-term effects.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWhen prescribing physical activity on prescription healthcare providers in acute stroke care need to consider:• The right timing: when and how physical activity on prescription should be given.• How to create opportunities for individuals to participate in the prescription process.• How to create individual adaptation of the prescription.• How to ensure that follow-up is conducted by registered healthcare professionals with knowledge of physical activity as disease prevention.

Life has become troublesome - my wrist bothers me around the clock: an interview study relating to daily life with a malunited distal radius fracture.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the everyday life experiences of people suffering from a symptomatic, malunited, distal radius fracture.Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with twenty respondents, median age 59 [16-85] years. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis.Results: The result, presented as one main theme with categories and subcategories, describes the impact of the injury. Everyday life was affected in all participants, very much in a few highly valued activities such as sports and work, whenever the hand was used, or even at rest. This study indicates that the injury has an impact on the ability to move around, other parts of the body, sleep, emotions, self-perception and relationships. It also shows that the patients used several strategies to manage the situation.Conclusion: The malunion of a distal radius fracture has a negative impact on a wide range of daily activities, as well as other aspects of daily life. There is a need for information between caregivers and patients, and clear routines, once a malunion has occurred.Implications for rehabilitationThe symptomatic malunion of a distal radius fracture should be acknowledged as a complex condition requiring comprehensive interventionsTechnical equipment, braces and new solutions on practical problems was necessary to manage everyday life and should be a focus of intervention for this patient groupThe consequences of the injury was not only restricted activity performance but also affected social relationships and emotionsInformation about fracture healing and how a malunion can occur, as well as information on how much the wrist can be loaded at different time points, is important to reduce anxiety.

Experiences using the poststroke checklist in Sweden with a focus on feasibility and relevance: a mixed-method design.

OBJECTIVE: The wide range of outcomes after stroke emphasises the need for comprehensive long-term follow-up. The aim was to evaluate how people with stroke and health professionals (HPs) perceive the use of the poststroke checklist (PSC), with a focus on feasibility and relevance. DESIGN: An exploratory design with a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. SETTING: Outpatient care at a university hospital and primary care centres in western Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six consecutive patients (median age, 70; range, 41-85; 13 women) and 10 health professionals (median age 46; range, 35-63; 7 women). RESULTS: Most patients (87%) had one or more problems identified by the PSC. The most common problem areas were life after stroke (61%), cognition (56%), mood (41%) and activities of daily living (39%). Three organisational themes emerged from the focus group discussions. The perception of the content and relevance of the PSC was that common poststroke problems were covered but that unmet needs still could be missed. Identifying needs was facilitated when using the PSC as a tool for dialogue. The dialogue between the patient and HP as well as HPs stroke expertise was perceived as important. The PSC was seen as a systematic routine and a base for egalitarian follow-up, but participants stressed consideration given to each individual. Addressing identified needs and meeting patient expectations were described as challenging given available healthcare services. CONCLUSIONS: The PSC is a feasible and relevant tool to support egalitarian follow-up and identify patients who could benefit from targeted poststroke interventions. Stroke expertise, room for dialogue and caring for identified needs emerged as important issues to consider when using the PSC. Nutrition, sexuality and fatigue were areas mentioned that might need to be addressed within the discussions. The PSC can facilitate patients in expressing their needs, enhancing their ability to participate in decision-making.

A qualitative exploration of post-acute stroke participants' experiences of a multimodal intervention incorporating horseback riding.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal rehabilitation interventions delivered in late phase of stroke recovery involve physical (motor and sensory), social, and cognitively challenging activities. Horseback riding can be incorporated within such interventions, leading to meaningful long-term improvements when applied to individuals with moderate levels of disability. There is a lack of research illuminating stroke survivors' experiences and perceptions of horseback riding in the context of multimodal interventions. AIM: To explore stroke survivors' experiences of participation in a multimodal group-based intervention that included horseback riding. METHODS: An explorative interview study was conducted with individual face-to-face interviews performed on a single occasion, utilising a semi-structured interview guide. Eighteen participants were purposively selected from a larger trial (mean age 62, 12 men, 6 women) within four weeks after treatment completion. The interview duration was between 17 and 50 minutes. The data was analysed using a qualitative content analysis method. FINDINGS: Four broad themes were identified from the analysis. These themes were: transformative experiences; human-horse interaction; togetherness and belonging; and the all-in-one solution. Interacting with the horse and peers had a profound emotional impact on the participants. The participants also reported having learned new skills, increased self-efficacy and self-esteem, and improvements in balance and gait, all of which could be transferred to everyday life. The horse itself played a central role, but other components, such as the other group members, the instructors, and the challenging tasks on the horseback, were also important. CONCLUSION: A multimodal rehabilitation intervention that includes horseback riding may provide stroke survivors in a late phase of recovery with rich pleasurable experiences that may have life-changing and profound impacts on their emotional and physical state.

Experiences from a multimodal rhythm and music-based rehabilitation program in late phase of stroke recovery - A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitative stroke interventions based on principles of multimodal stimulation have the potential to profoundly affect neuroplastic processes beyond the sub-acute phase. In order to identify important core mechanisms, there is a need to explore how interventions that combine physical, social, sensory, and cognitively challenging activities are perceived and experienced by the participants. This qualitative study, based on an interpretive interactionist perspective, explored the experiences of stroke survivors who participated in a group-based multimodal rehabilitation program based on rhythm and music. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Within four weeks after completion of the multimodal rehabilitation program, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted on a single occasion with 15 purposively selected individuals (mean age 65, 8 men, 7 women). The interview duration was between 13 and 44 minutes. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was used to analyze data. Three categories were identified, each containing several sub-categories: To be intellectually challenged (energy-consuming activity and coordinating multiple input and output), Perceived therapeutic benefits (motor skills, cognitive skills, emotional and psychological responses), and Pros and cons with social integration (fellowship, competing with others, and instructor characteristics). From these categories, an overall theme was derived: The multifaceted layers of multimodal stimulation. Enjoying music, being part of a group with peers, a skilled instructor, and being able to manage the challenging movements, were related to positive experiences. In contrast, negative experiences were associated with not being able to perform the exercises, and with group members who dominated the conversational space. CONCLUSION: This study shows that access to a multimodal rehabilitation program with rhythm and music as operating ingredients may contribute to positive experiences for many individuals in a late phase after stroke in terms of motor, cognitive, as well as emotional enhancements. Important components were the music, the social interaction, the challenging exercises, and the skilled instructor.

Early coordinated rehabilitation in acute phase after hip fracture - a model for increased patient participation.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that patients with hip fracture treated in a Comprehensive Geriatric Care (CGC) unit report better results in comparison to orthopaedic care. Furthermore, involving patients in their healthcare by encouraging patient participation can result in better quality of care and improved outcomes. To our knowledge no study has been performed comparing rehabilitation programmes within a CGC unit during the acute phase after hip fracture with focus on improving patients' perceived participation and subsequent effect on patients' function. METHODS: A prospective, controlled, intervention performed in a CGC unit and compared with standard care. A total of 126 patients with hip fracture were recruited who were prior to fracture; community dwelling, mobile indoors and independent in personal care. Intervention Group (IG): 63 patients, mean age 82.0 years and Control Group (CG): 63 patients mean age 80.5 years. INTERVENTION: coordinated rehabilitation programme with early onset of patient participation and intensified occupational therapy and physiotherapy after hip fracture surgery. The primary outcome measure was self-reported patient participation at discharge. Secondary outcome measures were: TLS-BasicADL; Bergs Balance Scale (BBS); Falls Efficacy Scale FES(S); Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) at discharge and 1 month and ADL staircase for instrumental ADL at 1 month. RESULTS: At discharge a statistically significant greater number of patients in the IG reported higher levels of participation (p < 0.05) and independence in lower body hygiene (p < 0.05) and dressing (p < 0.001). There were however no statistically significant differences at discharge and 1 month between groups in functional balance and confidence, performance measures or risk for falls. CONCLUSION: This model of OT and PT coordinated inpatient rehabilitation had a positive effect on patients' perceived participation in their rehabilitation and ADL at discharge but did not appear to affect level of recovery or risk for future falls at 1 month. A large proportion of patients remained at risk for future falls at 1 month in both groups highlighting the need for continued rehabilitation after discharge. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03301584 (Retrospectively registered: 4th October 2017).

From regained function to daily use: experiences of surgical reconstruction of grip in people with tetraplegia.

PURPOSE: To capture patients' relearning processes from regained function to improvements in daily life after grip reconstructive surgery in tetraplegia. SUBJECTS: Eleven people with tetraplegia who underwent grip reconstructive surgery during February 2009 to March 2011. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted 7 to 17 months after surgery and analysed using grounded theory. RESULTS: Determination to reach a higher level of independence was the core concept to integrate regained function into daily life. There were 3 phases identified; "Initiate activity training," "Establish hand control in daily activities," and "Challenge dependence." Between the phases psychological stages occurred, first; "a belief in improved ability", and later in the process; "confidence in ability". The process to fully integrate regain function in daily life was described as long and time-consuming. However, the participants claimed it useful to do the skills training in their home environment, without long-term in clinic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Relearning activities in daily life after a grip reconstruction is a time-consuming and demanding process. It includes skills training, mental strategies and psychological stages together with environmental and social factors. Accordingly, rehabilitation after grip reconstruction in tetraplegia should focus on both grip skills and psychological stages, to encourage that patient's keep their determination and achieve greater independence. Implications for Rehabilitation There is a stepwise process to transform improved function into daily use. The most important factor to transform improved function into daily use was motivation to reach a higher independence. Other important factors were; skills training, use of individual learning strategies, belief and confidence in personal ability, social and environmental factors. There was a long and demanding process to fully transform the improved function into daily use. The participants preferred to do activity training in the specific environment, usually at home.

Enhanced independence: experiences after regaining grip function in people with tetraplegia.

PURPOSE: To explore how surgical reconstruction of grip affects everyday life for patients with tetraplegia, with special emphasis on patients perspective of their perceived changes. DESIGN: Qualitative method. SUBJECTS: Eleven people (aged 22-73) with tetraplegia who had undergone surgical reconstruction to restore grip function. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted 7-17 months after surgery and analysed using Grounded theory. RESULTS: The core concept describing the participants experienced gains after grip reconstructive surgery was "enhanced independence". It was associated with changes in both practical and psychological aspects of independence. Practical aspects identified were: "perform more activities", "smoother everyday life", "renewed ability to participate in social activities", "less dependence on assistance" and "less restricted by physical environment". Psychological aspects of independence included "regained privacy", "increased manageability", "regained identity", "recapture a part of the body" and "share positive experiences with relatives and friends". Encompassing all categories was the concept "self-efficacy in hand control". It was seen as a result included in the enhanced independency core but also as an important factor for the development of all the other categories. CONCLUSION: Participants in this study experienced enhanced independence after grip reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. The enhanced independence included both practical and physical aspects and it influenced all domains using the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health model; body function and structure, activities, participation, personal factors and environmental factors. Implications for Rehabilitation Patients with tetraplegia experience grip reconstruction as a useful intervention, an enhanced independence, related to their improved hand control. The increased hand control impacted not only physical aspects but also practical and psychological aspects. It also influenced social and community participation and the interference the environment had on the person. Self-efficacy was both a result of the intervention and a catalyst allowing the subcategories to develop. Therefore, self-efficacy in hand control seems to be an important factor to focus on during the rehabilitation process.

Occupational therapists' experiences of rehabilitation of patients with limited awareness after stroke.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe occupational therapists' experiences of rehabilitation of patients with limited awareness after stroke. METHODS: To capture occupational therapists' experiences, a qualitative approach was chosen using five focus groups consisting of 22 participants engaged in group discussions with open-ended questions based on the aim. Discussions were taped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed according to Kreuger's method. The analysis revealed one general description, constant adjustment, with three themes emerging during the analysis: adjustments in choice of activity, adjustments in choice of environment, and therapeutic adjustments. These themes interacted and were dependent on the desired effect of the interventions. Adjustments were made continuously depending on their effect. The occupational therapists strove for patients to avoid unnecessary risks, make realistic decisions, and live as independently as possible.

Managing an everyday life of uncertainty--a qualitative study of coping in persons with mild stroke.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate from the actor's perspective how and why persons with mild stroke coped with their new life situation as they did, during the first year after stroke. METHOD: Eighteen persons physically recovered and independent in P-ADL were interviewed 1 year after stroke. The most common symptoms experienced by the respondents were mental fatigability, memory and concentration difficulties, increased stress sensitivity, irritability, emotionalism, lack of initiative and sensitivity to lights and sounds. The questions concerned how and why the respondents tried to cope with their condition as they did. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the grounded theory method. RESULTS: Despite a mild stroke, the respondents still after 1 year found everyday life a struggle of uncertainty. Individual and relational concerns and environmental conditions were categories grounded in data describing the coping efforts. The co-occurrence of positive and negative feelings during-coping was an important finding. Leisure activities served as an important source of coping. CONCLUSION: Still 1 year after a stroke that in the acute phase was classified as mild, with expectations of complete recovery, respondents struggled to cope with its consequences and often experienced an everyday life of uncertainty.

Comparison of life satisfaction within couples one year after a partner's stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To compare life satisfaction within couples one year after a partner's stroke and with norm values and social factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 56 couples were consecutively included. The respondents estimated life satisfaction using the Life Satisfaction Checklist 9-item version. Patients' impairments, self-care ability and handicap were assessed. Social characteristics were registered. Non-parametrical statistical methods were used for analyses. RESULTS: Patients were physically mildly disabled by their stroke. The most common symptom was mental fatigability. Patients were, in general, less satisfied than spouses. The couples were less satisfied than norms. Satisfaction with life as a whole, leisure and sex life were most affected for both patients and spouses. Relationship with partner was the only domain in which patients were more satisfied than their spouses and almost equally satisfied compared with norms. The proportion of couples in which both partners agreed they were satisfied, for the following domains was: leisure time 20%, sex life 25%, vocation/occupation 29%, life as a whole 30%, finances 47%, social contacts 48%, relationship with partner 60%, family life 66% and ability in self-care 66%. CONCLUSION: Life satisfaction was negatively affected in both partners, although in different life domains. Support should address the different needs of patients and spouses as well as their mutual needs.

A qualitative study of the consequences of 'hidden dysfunctions' one year after a mild stroke in persons <75 years.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Increased mental fatiguability, concentration and memory difficulties, irritability, emotional instability, impaired stress tolerance, and sound and light sensitivity, in this paper operationalized through the astheno-emotional syndrome (AE syndrome) are known consequences of stroke. The aim of this study was to explore how persons with AE syndrome, one year after a mild stroke, experienced the consequences of the syndrome in everyday life. METHOD: A qualitative design was used. Fifteen respondents were chosen by strategic sampling and interviewed. The analysis was done using a grounded theory method. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded harmed/threatened self as the core category with four main categories covering the dimensions of: hidden-apparent dysfunction, predictability-unpredictability, independence-dependence and active life-passive life. The model grounded in data shows the structural properties and the processes that verify the dynamics and interactions of the everyday life consequences of AE syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: AE syndrome with mental fatiguability as the most common symptom affected many dimensions of everyday life, which in turn affected performance of activities and independence. The symptoms were 'hidden' in many ways, not only indetectable in the appearance of the person, but also on a more symbolic level not apparent to the patient and persons in their environment. The symptoms changed with environmental circumstances and were experienced as unpredictable.

Consequences of mild stroke in persons <75 years -- a 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mild strokes can be neglected regarding subtle sequels as fatigue, and cognitive and emotional changes. We have addressed this topic by exploring late consequences of an initially mild stroke (Barthel score >or=50). Accordingly, we assayed impairment, disability and handicap data 1 year after the first-ever stroke in persons <75 years, focusing on symptoms as fatigue, concentration difficulties, memory disturbances, emotional lability, stress resistance, anxiety and uneasiness, symptoms comprised in the astheno-emotional disorder (AED), and its relation to life satisfaction. RESULTS: The mean value of the Barthel Index was 99.5 (SD 0.5) and 25% scored 0-1 on the Oxford Handicap Scale. AED was diagnosed in 71% of the patients, and fatigue was experienced by 72%. AED correlated significantly with life satisfaction, handicap and depression. Life satisfaction was significantly below that of norm values according to satisfaction with life as a whole, sex life and ability to manage selfcare. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize that 'hidden dysfunctions' not so easily discovered within the hospital context are common consequences of mild stroke. The concept of mild stroke as principally founded in motor function or ability in P-ADL therefore seems to be insufficient with respect to the patient long-term perspective.