Self-care recovery after ischemic stroke: a quasi-experimental comparison of two psychological interventions
In brief
In 61 stroke patients, two therapies improved self-care; mindfulness showed greater cognitive gains
In this quasi-experimental study, both mindfulness training and cognitive rehabilitation were associated with better self-care and psychological outcomes than control, while mindfulness was associated with greater cognitive improvement. The 61-patient study also found clinically meaningful gains, but randomized trials are needed to determine whether the therapies caused the improvements and which patients benefit most.
- Journal
- BMC psychology (Q1)
- Published
- 3 August 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Yueyuan Wang, Yousef Alsufayan, Roghaye Farhadi Hassankiadeh, Mohadeseh Amirian Chayjan, Mohammad Bin Hasan, Fereshteh Osmani
- PMID
- 42958354
- DOI
- 10.1186/s40359-026-05278-8
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Rehabilitation (top studies of the week, 1 November 2026): Post-stroke cognitive, psychological, and self-care recovery
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-stroke patients often experience cognitive, psychological, and self-care impairments. Comparative evidence on mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive rehabilitation interventions remains limited. This study compared two psychological interventions (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)) on post-stroke recovery outcomes. METHOD: In this quasi-experimental study, 61 ischemic stroke patients were allocated to MBSR, CRT, or control groups. Outcomes included self-care, psychological status, and cognitive function assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: Both MBSR and CRT were associated with significant improvements in psychological and self-care outcomes compared with the control group (p < 0.05). MBSR was associated with greater improvement in cognitive outcomes compared to CRT (p < 0.05). Clinically meaningful improvements were observed in intervention groups based on MCID thresholds. CONCLUSION: Both interventions were associated with improved psychological and self-care outcomes after stroke, while MBSR was associated with greater improvements in cognitive function. Further randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.