Abstract
Systematic Review Briefs provide a summary of the findings from systematic reviews developed in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Practice Program. Each Systematic Review Brief summarizes the evidence on a theme related to a systematic review topic. This Systematic Review Brief presents findings from the systematic review on interventions to improve work and leisure for adults poststroke.
This brief presents findings from the systematic review on interventions to improve participation in work and leisure for adults poststroke. Although future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention, occupational therapy practitioners have the knowledge and skills to collaborate with clients to target leisure participation outcomes poststroke.
Full Systematic Review Question
This systematic review addressed the question “What is the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy practice to improve the performance of and participation in education, work, volunteering, leisure, and social participation among adult stroke survivors?”
Current Themes Reported
The main themes of the articles included in this systematic review brief are work and leisure interventions.
Clinical Scenario
Stroke can result in impairments that affect a person physically and mentally. These impairments can greatly affect stroke survivors’ participation in daily life activities, including their participation in leisure. Leisure participation increases quality of life, making it an important target for occupational therapy intervention.
Summary of Key Findings
Six articles were included in the review related to work and leisure intervention to improve social participation outcomes for adults poststroke. These 6 articles were divided into two main categories: work and leisure (Table 1). The levels of evidence used in this review are from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009).
Evidence Table for Interventions to Improve Work and Leisure for Adults Poststroke
Note. CIMT–TR = constraint-induced movement therapy paired with trunk restraint; EMG = electromyography; MST = music-supported therapy; OT = occupational therapy/therapist; PT = physical therapy/therapist; UE = upper extremity.
Bottom Line for Occupational Therapy Practice
Improving participation in work and leisure activities is an important part of quality of life and improved outcomes for people poststroke. Work is a vital occupation for clients receiving occupational therapy, but unfortunately only 1 research study was related to this topic. For many people, work provides relationships, social connectedness, structure, and routine to daily life and a sense of contribution to society (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). Research has shown that the most common reason for returning to work is financial demand (Ntsiea et al., 2015). Returning to work provides a sense of financial security and a source of health care benefits and social participation. Occupational therapy practitioners have the knowledge and skills to collaborate with clients to address return to work as a priority area.
Leisure is an important occupation that is intrinsically motivating to clients (AOTA, 2020). Research investigating the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve leisure participation among stroke survivors is limited. Evidence suggests that interventions promoting leisure are effective in increasing stroke survivors’ meaningful activity and quality of life. Limiting the effects of stroke impairments and providing occupation-based, client-centered intervention can improve participation in and performance of leisure activities. Occupational therapy practitioners should not neglect the importance of targeting leisure when treating people poststroke, because participation in leisure activities contributes greatly to well-being and quality of life. Future research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention for leisure participation outcomes poststroke.
Footnotes
*
Indicates articles included in the systematic review brief.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Lauren Alldredge, Brianna Carter, and Katie Cox for their assistance with the systematic review process. The authors also thank the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Evidence-Based Practice team for their assistance and support throughout the process.