Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Impact on Quality of Life and Functional Independence

Stroke often results in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments, limiting functional abilities and affecting the quality of life. Post-stroke rehabilitation aims to improve functional independence and enhance survivors' overall quality of life. Understanding the impact of various rehabilitation therapies is essential for optimizing recovery. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of post-stroke rehabilitation on patients' functional independence and quality of life. Methods: This prospective, single-center, quantitative study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, SKBZ/CMH Hospital Muzaffarabad, AJK, from January to July 2024. A total of 120 stroke survivors were enrolled. Functional Independence was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale, and quality of life was assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale at baseline and after six months of rehabilitation. Statistical analysis compared pre- and post-rehabilitation scores using paired t-tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65 ± 10 years. Significant improvements were observed in FIM scores after six months of rehabilitation (pre-rehabilitation: 65.4 ± 12.3; post-rehabilitation: 80.7 ± 11.5, p < 0.001). SS-QOL scores improved significantly (pre-rehabilitation: 45.2 ± 8.7; post-rehabilitation: 58.6 ± 7.3, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that rehabilitation positively influences functional independence and quality of life in stroke survivors. Conclusion: Rehabilitation following a stroke significantly improves functional mobility and quality of life in stroke survivors. Early and continuous rehabilitation is crucial for maximizing recovery outcomes, highlighting its importance in post-stroke care.