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Background:Fatigue after stroke is hard to define and measure and how it is associated with other complications after stroke still needs to be explored. These issues are relevant in stroke rehabilitation and in the patient’s daily life. Objective:To investigate fatigue after stroke and its relation to balance, gait, and Binocular Visual Dysfunction (BVD). Methods:Adults with stroke (n = 29, age 18–67 years) were tested with the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), objective and subjective BVD measures, Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Ten Meter Walk Test, and a Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire, before and after a four-month intervention program and at three- and six-month follow-ups. We used principle component analysis to extract underlying factors of MFIS. Associations between MFIS factors and patient characteristics were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. The associations between MFIS factors and physical measures were assessed using pairwise correlations. Results:Three components were extracted from the MFIS, explaining 71% of variance: Cognitive fatigue, Physical fatigue and Arousal. We found that women register higher MFIS scores than men. There was a strong association between the level of Cognitive and Physical Fatigue and BVD, between Arousal and balance and dizziness, and between Cognitive Fatigue and gait. Conclusion:The three extracted components of MFIS proved clinically informative. The arousal component revealed particularly interesting results in studying fatigue. The correlation analysis shown at this component differs from cognitive and physical fatigue and describes another aspect of PSF, important in future treatment and research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract Purpose Materials and methods Results Conclusions \nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION To explore families’ experiences of participating in a family intervention, targeting families living with the consequences of acquired brain injury (ABI) or spinal cord injury (SCI).Individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members were recruited from a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of the manual-based family intervention, which consisted of eight weekly sessions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 families (n = 33). The data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.One central theme was developed “A sense of belonging together again”, describing the value of the reciprocal format of the family intervention, where individuals with ABI or SCI and their family members gained new insights into each other while building up their relationship. The central theme was supported by three additional themes: “Strengthened communication and emotional control”, “Acknowledging the changed life situation” and “Being seen as a whole person”.The family intervention supported the families to strengthen family cohesion and to be capable to manage the changed life situation. The findings emphasize the importance of a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation, and how healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating families to achieve a balanced level of family cohesion. Acquiring an injury to the brain or spinal cord constitutes a severe life change for the entire family and therefore a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation is crucial. As individuals with injury and their family members often feel disconnected during rehabilitation, healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating the family to share their experiences with each other to strengthen family cohesion. Not all families are aware of their need for support. Thus, healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to identify the individual family’s needs for being supported. During conversations with families, healthcare professionals should focus on the balance between separateness and togetherness in the family system to support the families in achieving a balanced level of family cohesion. Acquiring an injury to the brain or spinal cord constitutes a severe life change for the entire family and therefore a family-centered approach in neurorehabilitation is crucial.As individuals with injury and their family members often feel disconnected during rehabilitation, healthcare professionals play a significant role in facilitating the family to share their experiences with each other to strengthen family cohesion.Not all families are aware of their need for support. Thus, healthcare professionals should pay particular attention to identify the individual family’s needs for being supported.During conversations with families, healthcare professionals should focus on the balance between separateness and togetherness in the family system to support the families in achieving a balanced level of family cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]