Transforming Lives: The Impact of Physical Rehabilitation for Post-Stroke Patients in the Developing Country Perspectives

Stroke is a fatal disease that often results in death or long-term disability. After the initial emergency management, stroke patients require rehabilitation to restore functionality and achieve as much independence as possible. This cross-sectional quantitative study investigates the current state of physical rehabilitation among post-stroke patients in Bangladesh. The research was conducted with 150 conveniently selected patients, irrespective of age and gender, undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Data were collected using a structured standard questionnaire, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 20. The study found that the average age of participants were 53.43 ± 12.87 years, with males almost twice as prevalent as females. Hemorrhagic strokes were more common (76%), with a minority experiencing ischemic strokes (24%). The vast majority (97.30%) suffered from hemiplegia and received both medication and rehabilitation, primarily in the form of physiotherapy. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between stroke type and gender, family structure, and income group. The findings highlight the need for early and effective rehabilitation strategies tailored to the socio-economic context of patients. Larger-scale studies are recommended to achieve more precise results.