A study on the sleep quality, pain, and instrumental activities of daily living of outpatients with chronic stroke.
JuHyung Park
PMID 30858654WHAT IT FOUND
Outpatients with chronic stroke who reported worse sleep and more pain had lower independence in daily tasks like grooming and shopping.
These factors correlate with daily function, but the study cannot prove they cause the decline.
Key findings
01Sleep quality scores were significantly correlated with total instrumental activities of daily living scores.
02Pain levels were significantly correlated with total instrumental activities of daily living scores.
03Sleep quality correlated with physical tasks like grooming and shopping but not with tasks heavily reliant on assistive devices or the non-impaired side, such as short-distance outings.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot determine if poor sleep or pain causes reduced daily function or if reduced function leads to worse sleep and pain. The sample size was small (42 participants) and limited to specific regions and institutions, which restricts generalizability. The study did not investigate motor paralysis, sensory deficits, stroke location, or specific types of pain, which are likely confounding factors. Participants were selected based on having no speech disorder and adequate cognitive function, so results may not apply to patients with communication or cognitive impairments.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that treating sleep or pain will directly improve daily function. This study only shows a correlation at one point in time, not that sleep or pain caused the functional limitations.