Treating stroke with occupational therapy

Occupational therapy can improve the quality of life of stroke patients and lessen their chances of deteriorating, a Scottish review found. Glasgow Royal Infirmary University researchers looked at nine randomized controlled trials with a group of 1,258 people with a mean age of 55 to 87.5 years who had suffered a stroke.

The researchers found patients who had undergone occupational therapy after a stroke were significantly more independent and able to carry out everyday tasks. but six months after a stroke approximately half of survivors were dependent on others to help them carry out everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and going to the toilet.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, reviewed trials comparing occupational therapy intervention, which focused on the activities of daily living with a control group where there was no routine intervention.

“Occupational therapy after stroke ‘works’ in that it improves outcome in terms of ability in personal activities of daily living,” study leader Lynn Legg said in a statement.

However, more research is needed to determine which specific interventions are the most effective to help stroke patients.