BACKGROUND: A large proportion of individuals with a stroke are unable to return to work, although figures vary greatly. Due to the very high cost of post-stroke care, both tangible and intangible, in the form of long-term social consequences, it seems extremely important to search for factors responsible for the low efficiency of the rehabilitation and recovery process, because this fact has direct influence on future employment.
Such knowledge would enable physiotherapists and occupational therapists to quickly identify those patients who are at risk of rehabilitation breakdown, in order to provide them with special care and include them in intensive therapeutic treatments.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of post-stroke rehabilitation, evaluated within the biopsychosocial aspect.
RESULTS: Statistical analyzes show that patient's age, time since stroke, number of comorbidities, family care capacity, marital status of the patient and also a low level of acceptance of illness, depression symptoms and lack of a sense of self-efficacy were related with low efficacy of post-stroke rehabilitation.
CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive neurological rehabilitation, taking into account mental challenges and socio-economic circumstances of individuals with a stroke is essential in order to achieve high efficacy of physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Important external factors may play a pivotal role in returning to work as well and should be taken into account during rehabilitation.