What question did this study set out to answer?

The review aims to gather and synthesize evidence on symptom clusters and their assessment in stroke survivors.

January 18, 2026

Symptom Clusters in People With Stroke: A Scoping Review

Puntos clave

The review aims to gather and synthesize evidence on symptom clusters and their assessment in stroke survivors.
Conducted a comprehensive literature search across seven databases.
Included studies published from 2001 to April 2025.
Assessed methodological quality using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists.
Extracted data on assessment tools, analytical techniques, and symptom clusters.
Fourteen studies involving 6556 stroke patients were included.
Identified 11 assessment tools and six analytical techniques, with exploratory factor analysis being most common.
Synthesis revealed seven common symptom clusters, with pain and fatigue being the most frequent.
Notable heterogeneity in measurement instruments and symptom cluster composition across studies.

Resumen

ABSTRACT Background Stroke survivors frequently experience multiple co‐occurring symptoms that cluster together, significantly affecting their quality of life and rehabilitation outcomes. However, previous research has predominantly focused on individual symptoms in isolation, limiting the potential to inform more comprehensive, symptom cluster‐based approaches to post‐stroke care. Aims This scoping review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the assessment tools used to evaluate them, the analytical techniques employed to identify them, and the composition of symptom clusters in people with stroke. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven databases (PubMed, EMBASE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang) for studies published between 2001 and April 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists. Data were extracted on study characteristics, measurement instruments, analytical techniques, and symptom cluster composition. Results Fourteen studies comprising 6556 stroke patients were included. A total of 11 assessment tools and six analytical techniques were identified, with exploratory factor analysis being the most commonly used. Seven common symptom clusters were synthesized: pain and fatigue, somatic movement dysfunction, cognitive impairment, affective disturbance, mood and sleep dysregulation, psychological distress, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The most frequently reported symptom cluster was pain and fatigue. Considerable heterogeneity was found across studies in terms of measurement instruments, analytical techniques, and symptom cluster composition. Linking Evidence to Action This review highlights the methodological inconsistencies and diversity in symptom cluster research in stroke populations. The findings underscore the need for standardized, culturally adaptable assessment tools and longitudinal designs to capture the dynamic nature of symptom clusters. This comprehensive review summarizes common symptom clusters in stroke patients and provides clinicians and researchers with valuable insights to help them develop more effective symptom management strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Trial Registration PROSPERO: CRD420251069463

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