Effectiveness of the Functional and Cognitive Occupational Therapy (FaC(o)T) Intervention for Improving Daily Functioning and Participation of Individuals with Mild Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Mild stroke can cause subtle cognitive–behavioral symptoms, which although might be hidden, can restrict community reintegration and participation. Cognitive rehabilitation programs exist for stroke but not specifically for mild stroke and the research evidence varies. The Functional and Cognitive Occupational Therapy (FaC(o)T) intervention was developed specifically for this population. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of FaC(o)T intervention for improving daily functioning and participation compared with standard care. Method: A single blind randomized controlled trial with assessments pre (T1), post (T2) and 3-month follow-up (T3). Individuals in the FaC(o)T group received 10 weekly sessions practicing cognitive and behavioral strategies. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was the primary outcome measure, IADL-questionnaire, Reintegration to Normal Living questionnaire (RNL) were secondary measures. Results: In total, 66 community-dwelling individuals with mild stroke were randomly allocated to FaC(o)T (n = 33, mean (SD) age 64.6 (8.2), 33% women), or control group (n = 33, mean (SD) age 64.4 (10.8), 45% women). Time X Group interaction effects were found for the COPM performance (F(1.4,90.3) = 11.75, p < 0.000) and satisfaction (F(1.5,96.8) = 15.70, p < 0.000), with large effect size values. Significant between-group effects were found for RNL (F = 10.02, p < 0.002, ɳ(P)(2) = 0.13). Most participants in FaC(o)T achieved a clinically important difference in COPM between T1–T2, T1–T3, and in RNL between T1 to T3 compared with the control group. Conclusions: FaC(o)T intervention is effective to improve daily functioning, participation and satisfaction of individuals with mild stroke compared with standard care, therefore FaC(o)T should be implemented in community rehabilitation settings.