Functional Status and Rehabilitation Barriers in Adults of Working Age After Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose To describe functional status in working-age stroke survivors and examine its associations with perceived rehabilitation barriers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 59 working-age stroke survivors were recruited from post-stroke rehabilitation clinics. Median age was 48 years (IQR 44–54), and 54% were male. Standardized assessments included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), modified Barthel Index (mBI), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), and Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS). Results Participants demonstrated mild to moderate neurological impairment and moderate functional limitations, particularly in motor domains, with reduced independence in daily activities. Functional independence (mBI) was moderately to strongly correlated with SIS mobility (ρ = 0.57; 95% CI 0.36–0.72) and ADL/IADL domains (ρ = 0.48; 95% CI 0.25–0.65). Perceived rehabilitation barriers were most prominent in domains related to perceived needs and access, with strong interrelationships among contextual and personal barrier domains. Direct associations between barrier scores and functional measures were limited. Conclusions Adults of working age recovering from stroke experience substantial functional challenges. Perceived rehabilitation barriers cluster mainly around contextual and personal factors rather than directly reflecting functional severity. Integrated, person-centered rehabilitation models are required to address both clinical recovery and broader socioeconomic determinants to optimize reintegration and participation.