Caring Stroke Patients with Musculoskeletal Problem: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this paper is to narratively review the literature on caring for stroke patients with a musculoskeletal problem which involves rehabilitation of nursing and health care. Through the review, this paper addresses five questions: What are the typical difficulties of a stroke patient? What are the effects of a stroke on the musculoskeletal system? How to take care of musculoskeletal problem and pain? What is good musculoskeletal care for patients with stroke? How to take care of the musculoskeletal problem through active rehabilitation? Method: The relevant articles published between 2010-2020 were identified through searches in PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, PsychInfo and by inspecting the reference list using keywords of ‘stroke’ and ‘musculoskeletal’.  Result: A total of 19 selected address this topic and consequently answer the questions posed. Findings flow with the typical difficulties of a stroke patient, the effects of a stroke on the musculoskeletal system, caring for musculoskeletal problem and pain, good musculoskeletal care for patients with stroke and caring for the musculoskeletal problem through active rehabilitation. Conclusion: This paper highlights that stroke patients with the musculoskeletal problem have restricted day-to-day movement functions and needed interdisciplinary care approaches from nursing, physical and occupational therapies, and other health care professionals. Stroke patients may need a structured programme to improve the outcome of stroke rehabilitation for the musculoskeletal problem.