The impact of stroke on psychological and physical function outcomes in people with long-term physical disability

Background: An increased number of people who have a long-term physical disability (LTPD) are aging. Similar to older adults without previous disability, individuals with LTPD may experience age-related comorbidities secondary to aging. A leading cause of disability in the United States among older adults is stroke. Limited evidence supports that individuals with LTPD are at higher risk of a stroke compared to those without disability. Stroke may negatively impact physical, cognitive, and/or psychosocial function. For those who have lived longer with LTPD, the impact of stroke may differ. Objective: To determine the impact of stroke on health outcomes in people with LTPD. Methods: Thirty-three individuals with both LTPD and self-reported stroke were identified in a national purposive sample of adults reporting physical disability associated with LTPD (Group A). Group A was compared to an age matched sample of 33 individuals with the same conditions but no stroke (Group B). Group A participants were also compared to national norms based on age cohort from a national sample of 182 stroke survivors (Group C). Results: Age range of all participants = 65–74 years. Combine sample among three groups = 248. Group A did not differ from Group B. However, Group A reported significantly higher pain interference (p <.001), fatigue (p =.003), and decreased physical function (p <.001) than Group C. Conclusions: The study informs how the impact of acquiring another condition after living with a LTPD differs among a general stroke population and those who are living with LTPD.