Impact of first-ever mild stroke on participation at 3 and 6 month post-event: the TABASCO study

Purpose: This study focused on the relationships between cognition, participation and quality of life (QoL) among first-ever mild ischemic stroke patients 3 months post-event. We hypothesized that significant correlations exist between cognition, executive functions (EF), QoL and participation; and that EF and QoL will significantly contribute to participation beyond demographics and stroke severity at 3 and from 3 to 6 months post-stroke. Methods: A prospective cohort study, recruiting consecutive first-ever stroke patients from a large tertiary hospital. The inclusion criteria were first event, mild stroke (NIHSS <= 5), and no previous significant neurological or cognitive impairment. In addition to assessment every 6 month at the hospital, an assessment battery was administered at home 3 months post-stroke. Results: Participants showed mild to moderate difficulties in cognition and participation (n = 249). Low to moderate correlations were found between cognition and EF with participation (-0.380, p<0.05; r = 0.460, p<0.001, respectively); and cognition with QoL (r = 0.421, p50.001). EF and QoL contributed significantly to participation at 3 months (R-2 = 0.961) and in addition education at 6 months (R-2 = 0.701). Conclusions: Participants after mild ischemic stroke experienced cognitive and EF difficulties that affect their participation and QoL. Further studies are needed of mild stroke survivors to enhance our understanding of the variables that affect participation.