Social rhythm and implications on functionality of patients after stroke.

The study aimed to assess the regularity, intensity, frequency, and period of activities comprising social rhythm and associate them with the functionality of stroke patients. The sample consisted of 73 patients (41 men and 32 women) with a mean age of 60 years (±10). Social rhythm was assessed by Social Rhythm Metric (SRM) and Activity Level Index (ALI). The functionality was evaluated using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Chi-square test. The mean SRM was 5.1 ± 0.9, and ALI was 58.3 ± 14.9. Notably, 40% of the patients exhibited both low regularity and low intensity of activities. Six SRM activities, performed with low frequency (going outside, starting work, exercising, snacking, watching other TV programs, and going home), exhibited a tendency to have periods that deviated from the expected 24-hour daily cycle. ICF domains most associated with SRM were: d2-General tasks and demands, d3-Communication, d4-Mobility, d5-Self care, d8-Major life areas, and d9-Community, social and civic life. The results indicated changes in social rhythm with implications for patient functionality. Screening for disruptions in social rhythm could be part of the functional assessment during the rehabilitation process for post-stroke patients.

Functional activities habits in chronic stroke patients: A perspective based on ICF framework.

BACKGROUND: Functional autonomy and social inclusion are of key importance for stroke patient's rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate activity and participation of chronic stroke patients by means of basic (BADL), instrumental (IADL) and social (SADL) activities of daily living. METHODS: Forty individuals, 24 patients and 16 healthy individuals fill in a functional activities habits questionnaire. RESULTS: Regarding BADL, 25% of the patients did not get out of bed and 70.8% did not use toilet by themselves. Considering IADL, 29.2% of the patients did not dial the telephone, 70.8% did not wash dishes and clothes, 58.3% did not cook, 100% did not sew, 87.5% did not carry out repairs, 41.7% did not go to the bank, 54.2% did not shop and 45.8% did not write (all p < 0.05). Regarding SADL, 87.5% of the patients were not working professionally, 41.7% did not visit friends or relatives, 75% did not travel and go to the beach and 95.8% did not dance (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic stroke patients have limitations in activity and restrictions to participation, even after few years of stroke onset, particularly regarding applying knowledge, use of communication devices, domestic life, major life areas and community, social and civic life.

Circadian activity rhythm and fragmentation are associated with sleep-wake patterns and sleep quality in patients with stroke.

BACKGROUND: Activity levels and disturbances of the sleep-wake pattern affect health and quality of life and need to be further explored in patients with stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate activity levels and their association with sleep-wake patterns in patients with stroke. METHODS: Ten adults with (51±6 years) and 10 without stroke (52±7 years) participated in the study; they were matched on age, sex and educational level. Neurological status, motor function, sleep quality, and activity levels were measured. The groups were compared using Student t-tests and the association between the measures was assessed using Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: Compared to people without stroke, those with stroke had worse sleep quality (p = 0.044), twice lower 24h-activity levels (p < 0.0001), higher interdaily stability and intradaily variability, lower activity during the most active 10 h and during the least active 5 h. Sleep quality was associated with activity level (r= -0.72) and with within-day activity variability (r= 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Activity level and fragmentation are associated with sleep-wake patterns and sleep quality in patients with stroke.