The influence of cognitive, emotional and social factors on motivation for rehabilitation in patients after stroke

Aim of the study: Stroke is one of the most common factors causing physical disability. A significant number of people after stroke, although rehabilitated, become disabled to some extent. It is partially caused by physical obstacles. However, in some cases it may be connected with low motivation for rehabilitation, which results in smaller progress made in the rehabilitation process itself and a decrease of the patients’ condition and quality of life later on. Therefore, we decided to review the factors affecting motivation for rehabilitation in people after stroke.

Material and methods: In order to determine the factors affecting motivation for rehabilitation in people after stroke, we reviewed the available literature investigating this subject.

Results: Even though there are only a few publications covering the subject of the factors which affect motivation for rehabilitation in people after stroke, all of them show that emotional, cognitive as well as social factors are significant for motivation for rehabilitation, which may affect its outcome.

Conclusions: The level of mobility in persons who have had a cerebral stroke depends on numerous factors. One can and should include here the motivation for rehabilitation, which is, however, often disregarded both in scientific research and in clinical practice. As can be seen from the review of the literature on the subject, the level of motivation for rehabilitation can be affected by the occurrence of post-stroke depression and anxiety, unsatisfactory or excessive social support, lack of awareness of the illness, and cognitive dysfunctions.