The impact of stroke on psychological and physical function outcomes in people with long-term physical disability.

BACKGROUND

An increased number of people who have a long-term physical disability (LTPD) are aging. Similar to older adults without previous disability, individuals with LTPD may experience age-related comorbidities secondary to aging. A leading cause of disability in the United States among older adults is stroke. Limited evidence supports that individuals with LTPD are at higher risk of a stroke compared to those without disability. Stroke may negatively impact physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial function. For those who have lived longer with LTPD, the impact of stroke may differ.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of stroke on health outcomes in people with LTPD.

METHODS

Thirty-three individuals with both LTPD and self-reported stroke were identified in a national purposive sample of adults reporting physical disability associated with LTPD (Group A). Group A was compared to an age matched sample of 33 individuals with the same conditions but no stroke (Group B). Group A participants were also compared to national norms based on age cohort from a national sample of 182 stroke survivors (Group C).

RESULTS

Age range of all participants = 65-74 years. Combine sample among three groups = 248. Group A did not differ from Group B. However, Group A reported significantly higher pain interference (p < .001), fatigue (p = .003), and decreased physical function (p < .001) than Group C.

CONCLUSIONS

The study informs how the impact of acquiring another condition after living with a LTPD differs among a general stroke population and those who are living with LTPD.