Article

This study examined the role of anxiety and upper limb dysfunction,
amongst other variables, as predictors of health related quality of life (HRQOL)
6 months after stroke. METHOD: Participants: Stroke survivors (n = 85) who had
previously participated in a randomised controlled trial of a physiotherapy
intervention. Dependent variable: HRQOL - Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).
Predictor variables: Mood - Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale; Upper Limb
Functioning - Action Research Arm Test; Rivermead Motor Assessment; Activities of
Daily Living - Modified Barthel Index; Clinical and demographic factors. RESULTS:
Anxiety and depression significantly predicted 49% of variance in overall HRQOL
(p < 0.05), but only anxiety significantly predicted NHP pain (13% variance, p <
0.001), emotional reactions (41% variance, p < 0.001), sleep (19% variance, p =
0.02) and social isolation (23% variance, p = 0.02). Depression and anxiety
together significantly predicted 30% variance in energy level (p < 0.001). UL
motor impairment and activities of daily living predicted 36% of variance in NHP
physical activity score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that where
anxiety is assessed, it appears more important in determining HRQOL than
depression. UL impairment and ADL independence predicted perceived physical
activity. Management strategies for anxiety and therapy for UL recovery long
after stroke onset are likely to benefit perceived HRQOL.

Langue : ANGLAIS