Background: Mild stroke is characterized by subtle impairments, such as low self-efficacy and emotional and behavioral symptoms, which restrict daily living. Functional and Cognitive Occupational Therapy (FaCoT) is a novel intervention, developed for individuals with mild stroke.
Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of FaCoT compared to a control group to improve self-efficacy, behavior, and emotional status (secondary outcome measures).
Material and methods: Community-dwelling individuals with mild stroke participated in a single-blind randomized controlled trial with assessments at pre, post, and 3-month follow-up. FaCoT included 10 weekly individual sessions practicing cognitive and behavioral strategies. The control group received standard care. The New General Self-Efficacy Scale assessed self-efficacy; the Geriatric Depression Scale assessed depressive symptoms; the Dysexecutive Questionnaire assessed behavior and emotional status; and the 'perception of self' subscale from the Reintegration to Normal Living Index assessed participation.
Results: Sixty-six participants were randomized to FaCoT (n = 33, mean (SD) age 64.6 (8.2)) and to the control (n = 33, age 64.4 (10.8)). Self-efficacy, depression, behavior, and emotional status improved significantly over time in the FaCoT group compared with the control, with small to large effect size values.
Conclusion: The efficacy of FaCoT was established. FaCoT should be considered for community-dwelling individuals with mild stroke.
Keywords: mild stroke; mood; participation; rehabilitation; self-efficacy.