Functional activities habits in chronic stroke patients: A perspective based on ICF framework.

BACKGROUND: Functional autonomy and social inclusion are of key importance for stroke patient's rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate activity and participation of chronic stroke patients by means of basic (BADL), instrumental (IADL) and social (SADL) activities of daily living. METHODS: Forty individuals, 24 patients and 16 healthy individuals fill in a functional activities habits questionnaire. RESULTS: Regarding BADL, 25% of the patients did not get out of bed and 70.8% did not use toilet by themselves. Considering IADL, 29.2% of the patients did not dial the telephone, 70.8% did not wash dishes and clothes, 58.3% did not cook, 100% did not sew, 87.5% did not carry out repairs, 41.7% did not go to the bank, 54.2% did not shop and 45.8% did not write (all p < 0.05). Regarding SADL, 87.5% of the patients were not working professionally, 41.7% did not visit friends or relatives, 75% did not travel and go to the beach and 95.8% did not dance (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic stroke patients have limitations in activity and restrictions to participation, even after few years of stroke onset, particularly regarding applying knowledge, use of communication devices, domestic life, major life areas and community, social and civic life.