Study shows small gender differences in recovery from ischemic stroke

Study shows small gender differences in recovery from ischemic stroke

Examining recovery in the first year after an ischemic stroke, a new study found that female participants experienced slightly worse recovery than male participants in everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and driving. The study was published on December 17, 2025Neurology®the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. An ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, and as the population ages, the number of stroke survivors is increasing. Because many people live with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges after a stroke, it is important to find ways to improve recovery. Our study provides a better understanding of gender differences during stroke recovery.”

Chen Chen, PhD, study author, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

For the study, researchers identified 1,046 people who suffered their first ischemic stroke. The participants were on average 66 years old. Researchers reviewed medical records and participant interviews to track their recovery three, six and 12 months after the stroke. Participants received neurological exams, cognitive tests and completed questionnaires about their quality of life.

Participants were also assessed on how well they performed both simple and more complex everyday tasks such as walking, bathing, cooking and housework. A score of two indicated some difficulty completing daily tasks. A score of three indicated major difficulty.

On daily tasks, female participants achieved higher average scores than male participants, indicating poorer recovery at three, six and 12 months post-stroke. For example, after three months, female participants had an average score of 2.39 and male participants had an average score of 2.04.

Scores for female participants, but not male participants, decreased from three to 12 months, indicating some improvement.

After accounting for factors such as age, race and ethnicity, education and insurance status, researchers found that female participants' average scores were 0.13, 0.10 and 0.09 higher at three, six and 12 months, respectively, indicating worse recovery than male participants. Chen found that the effect size was small.

While there were no gender differences in other areas of recovery, there was improvement in neurological function, which includes communication and the execution of simple movements, in both genders.

"Our results suggest that early and repeated assessment of a person's ability to perform everyday tasks after a stroke, particularly in females, is needed to reduce these differences in recovery," Chen said. "These recovery patterns should be taken into account when developing new interventions. Since the differences were mainly in activities such as heavy housework, shopping and carrying heavy weights, new interventions could include muscle-strengthening activities."

A limitation of the study was that researchers did not have data on participants' use of rehabilitation services and were therefore unable to assess the potential impact.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Sources: