Changes in the impact of stroke between 3 and 12 months post-stroke, assessed with the Stroke
Impact Scale
Sammanfattning
OBJECTIVE: To examine data collected using the Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 (SIS) at 3 and 12
months post-stroke, and to explore any clinically meaningful changes in everyday life in relation to
age, gender and stroke severity.
DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study.
METHODS: A total of 204 persons were assessed using the SIS at 3 and 12 months after onset of
stroke. Changes in domain scores were calculated over time and in relation to age, gender and stroke
severity.
RESULTS: The Strength, Hand Function and Participation domains had the highest perceived impact
at 3 and 12 months, indicating problems in everyday life. Stroke recovery was perceived to be
significantly higher at 12 than at 3 months irrespective of stroke severity, age or gender. The impact
on the Strength and Emotion domains was significantly lower at 12 months than at 3 months. Most
clinically meaningful changes, both positive and negative (± 15 points), were seen in the Participation
domain and in Stroke recovery. Few changes were associated with age, gender or stroke severity.
CONCLUSION: Both positive and negative clinically meaningful changes related to impact of stroke
were found between 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Therefore it is important to pay close attention to
patients’ perceptions of their everyday life situation during rehabilitation and at discharge.