Body structure/function impairments and activity limitations of post-stroke that predict social participation: a systematic review

Background Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Brazil, and its prognostic indicators of social reintegration are not well established yet. Objective To identify body structure/function impairments and activity limitations in post-stroke that predict social participation restrictions in the community. Methods cohort studies were selected, involving adult post-stroke participants, which investigated body structure and function impairments or activity limitations of post-stroke individuals as predictors of social participation in the community. Studies that included individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage, other neurological disorders and participants in long-term care facilities were excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was applied to assess the methodological quality. The results were synthesized according to the found exposures, considering the used statistical models. Results Eleven articles were included, with a total of 2,412 individuals, 58.4% men, 83.7% ischemic stroke. Seven exposures were assessed across studies, in which 10 studies assessed body structure and function exposures (stroke severity, cognitive, executive, emotional and motor function), and 8 studies assessed activity exposures (daily living activity and walking ability). Conclusion There is some evidence that stroke severity, mental and motor deficits, limitations in activities of daily living and the ability to walk after a stroke can predict social participation in the community. PROSPERO registration CRD42020177591.

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify body structure/function impairments and activity limitations in post-stroke that predict social participation restrictions. The results suggest that stroke severity, mental and motor deficits, limitations in activities of daily living, and the ability to walk after a stroke may predict social participation in the community.