Spasticity, Pain, and Fatigue: Are They Associated with Functional Outcomes in People with Stroke?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether spasticity, pain, and fatigue symptoms were related to functional outcomes in people with stroke. Design A longitudinal correlation design was used. Methods Twenty-two stroke patients experiencing spasticity, pain, and fatigue were followed for 7 days over 6 weeks: 3 days in acute rehabilitation units, 3 days postdischarge to home/community, and an additional 1 day at 1 month postdischarge. Demographics, numeric ratings, and PROMIS tools were used to determine associations over time. Results Pain was related to fine motor activities on admission. Fatigue was significantly associated with activities of daily living, motor functions, mobility, and ability to perform physical tasks at 1 month. Spasticity was significantly related to activities of daily living, pain experiences and fatigue at 1 month. Conclusions Symptoms of spasticity, pain, and fatigue were associated with functional outcomes in this sample of patients. Clinical Relevance to Rehabilitation Nursing Symptoms can influence physical recovery; therefore, nurses could improve care through recognition of suspected correlation of symptoms in people with stroke.