An investigation into stroke survivors' experiences of participation in leisure activities post-stroke, and the barriers they face

Introduction: This study aimed to gain an understanding of stroke survivors' experiences of returning to leisure activities post-stroke and the barriers they face. Currently, there is limited literature which considers personal experience of support to return to leisure activities during rehabilitation. Previous studies have considered time use of stroke survivors. Therefore this study hoped to discover the processes of re-engaging in such occupations. Practice guidelines for occupational therapy within the United Kingdom explicitly recommend that stroke survivors receive support to return to leisure activities post-stroke.
Method: This study enquired about participants personal experiences of rehabilitation and what occupational therapy services did for them. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 4 members of a Stroke Association stroke group. Interviews were transcribed and analysed to create 4 themes.
Results: Results found that people did not receive support to return to leisure activities post-stroke from therapists, but people were able to continue participation in some activities with support from friends or family. Participants were generally dissatisfied with their levels of participation in leisure activities since experiencing a stroke, and some had experienced depression. Surprisingly it was noticed that some participants felt their rehabilitation experiences in terms of services, were affected by their visible support network.
Discussion: These findings resonate with other studies, showing that people participate in fewer leisure activities than before experiencing a stroke. This implies that occupational therapists should be addressing aspects of daily living other than personal care and domestic activities within their treatment plans.