The Ability of Recovery Locus of Control Scale (RLOC) and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) to Predict the Physical Functioning of Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to address the ability of the recovery locus of control scale (RLOC) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) to predict physical functioning among stroke patients. In addition, the best predictors within the subdomains of the RLOC and PTSS were also investigated. METHODS A total of 147 stroke patients aged 33-85 years who had intact cognitive functioning were involved in the study. The Recovery Locus of Control Scale (RLOC), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Barthel Index (ADL) were administered to respondents six weeks after stroke. RESULTS The results showed that the RLOC and PTSS were significant predictors and were capable of predicting 31% of the physical functioning of stroke patients (adjusted R2 = 0.31; P < 0.001). Furthermore, with respect to clinical factors, the affected lesion side contributed to predicting 7% of the physical functioning (R2= 0.07; P < 0.001). A hierarchical regression analysis found that the internal recovery locus of control (IRLOC) was a predictor capable of explaining 18% of the predicted physical functioning (adjusted R2= 0.18; P < 0.001). Meanwhile, avoidance was the most influential significant predictor among PTSS, contributing to 24% of the predicting physical functioning (adjusted R2= 0.24; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the RLOC and PTSS were capable of predicting physical functioning among stroke patients.