The influence of an active lifestyle on the quality of life of stroke patients

Abstract

Background: An important aim of stroke rehabilitation is not merely functional recovery, but also quality of life (QOL) improvement. An active lifestyle increases QOL. Therefore, rehabilitation professionals must provide support to enhance patients’ active lifestyles. This study was conducted to clarify the influence of an active lifestyle on the QOL of stroke patients. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, which included questions on the prognosis since the onset of stroke, present lifestyle, and important activities and reasons for engaging in them. Participants included 25 stroke patients (20 men; mean age = 70.6±9.2). Analysis was performed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach. The study was approved by the university’s medical ethics committee. Findings: Recommendations from family or friends, one’s own experiences, information from medical staff, and being accompanied by a fellow stroke patient were found to promote the adoption of activities. Additionally, evaluations of others, feelings of beneficial effects, specific plans, and the presence of supporters were found to promote the continuation of activities. An active lifestyle raises QOL through two processes: by continuation of activities leading to the achievement of purposes, and by continuation of activities leading to adjustment to the disability; the latter being an important factor with reference to coping with disability. Discussion: The presence of a stroke fellow, evaluations of others, and feelings of beneficial effects, are related to self-efficacy. These findings suggest that, encouraging the development of a specific plan, self-efficacy, and social support are effective in supporting patients’ active lifestyles.