A atuação da terapia ocupacional na reabilitação de pacientes pós-acidente vascular cerebral

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of functional disability worldwide, impacting motor, cognitive, and social aspects of individuals. Occupational Therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, aiming to promote independence and quality of life, with early and targeted interventions favoring functional recovery and social reintegration. Objective: To analyze the role of Occupational Therapy in the rehabilitation of patients affected by stroke, identifying interventions, strategies, and functional outcomes. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors “Occupational Therapy,” “Stroke,” and “Rehabilitation.” Articles published in the last three years, in Portuguese and English, that addressed occupational therapy practices aimed at post-stroke functional recovery, were included. Results: The analysis of the studies revealed that Occupational Therapy significantly contributes to the improvement of functional independence, performance in activities of daily living, and quality of life. Strategies such as fine and gross motor training, environmental adaptations, use of assistive technologies, and cognitive stimulation proved effective in enhancing neuroplasticity and reducing sequelae. Final considerations: It is concluded that the role of the occupational therapist is essential in the post-stroke rehabilitation process, especially when initiated early and integrated into an interdisciplinary approach, promoting autonomy and social reintegration of patients.