Editorial

Occupational therapy after stroke

BMJ 2007; 335 doi: 10.1136/bmj.39370.600729.BE (Published 1 November 2007)
Cite this as: BMJ 2007;335:894

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  1. Kathryn M McPherson, professor of rehabilitation (Laura Fergusson chair)1,
  2. Caroline Ellis-Hill, senior lecturer in rehabilitation2
  1. 1Health and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  2. 2School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1JB
  1. Kathryn.McPherson{at}aut.ac.nz

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

    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 …

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