Self-body split: issues of identity in physical recovery following a stroke

Purpose: To explore the perceived life and identity changes described by in dividuals following a single stroke using a life narrative approach. Method: Individuals admitted to hospital with a stroke, no previous disabil ity, returning home; took part in life narrative interviews in hospital, an d six months and one year post-discharge. The Gross Motor subscale of the R ivermead Motor Assessment and Nottingham 10 point Activities of Daily Livin g Scale were completed. Results: Eight stroke respondents (five male, three female; mean age 67 yea rs (range 56-82). The one year mean motor score was 9 (range 7-11) and self -care score was 9 (range 7-10). All respondents described a fundamental cha nge in their lives and identity. The main issue was a split between themsel ves and their body. In hospital their body appeared to become separate, pre carious and perplexing. By one year the majority still found their body unr eliable, and their physical ability influenced by the social setting. Conclusion: The new experience of a split between self and body appears to be the focus of life for at least a year. This study suggests that rehabili tation professionals should consider longer-term (although not necessarily intensive) physical activity programmes that address these psychological as well as neuromuscular changes.