Factors Associated with Occupational Performance in Older People with Stroke

Objectives: Occupational performance occurs in a dynamic interaction between the people, their occupations, and context. Stroke could affect the individual’s occupational performance, which is the basis of social life. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting stroke patients’ occupational performance. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 55 people with stroke participated. The patients completed the Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM), Barthel index, Brunnstrom stage, Montreal cognitive assessment, and a demographic questionnaire. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between occupational satisfaction and performance with cognition, the activities of daily living (ADL), and the severity of impairment in the upper and lower extremities (P <0.01). The results of linear regression show that cognition level could significantly predict occupational performance (R= 0.83, P <0.01) and satisfaction (R= 0.81, P <0.01) after stroke. Discussion: Results show that the cognitive level could predict occupational performance in patients with stroke. Performing daily living activities and lower limb impairment could predict satisfaction with occupational performance. Therefore, it is recommended that therapists consider the cognition in stroke patients through a proper therapeutic plan to prevent participation restrictions.