BMJ  2007;335:894-895 (3 November), doi:10.1136/bmj.39370.600729.BE

Editorials

Occupational therapy after stroke

Improves personal activities of daily living, but evidence remains sparse on other potential effects

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In this week's BMJ, Legg and colleagues present a systematic review of randomised trials assessing the effect of occupational therapy on personal activities of daily life in people who have had a stroke.¹

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability² and sadly, despite medical advances and public health initiatives, its incidence is not declining.³ The sequelae are often devastating and can affect the full range of human life and functioning.⁴ The impact of stroke extends beyond the individual to the people closest to them—carers experience high rates of distress, depression, and social isolation; reduced health status; and even premature death.^{5 6 7 8} Prevention and acute medical management are a fundamental part of the response to the problem, but improving life after stroke is also important and, as increasing evidence indicates, possible.⁹

Occupational therapists have for many years been identified as key contributors to the rehabilitation of people with stroke. . . . [Full text of this article]

¹ Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand, ² School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1JB

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Related Article

Occupational therapy for patients with problems in personal activities of daily living after stroke: systematic review of randomised trials

Lynn Legg, Avril Drummond, Jo Leonardi-Bee, J R F Gladman, Susan Corr, Mireille Donkervoort, Judi Edmans, Louise Gilbertson, Lyn Jongbloed, Pip Logan, Catherine Sackley, Marion Walker, and Peter Langhorne
BMJ 2007 335: 922. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

• (2007). Occupational Therapy Improves Post-Stroke Outcomes. JWatch General 2007: 3-3 [Full text]