Fifty-six stroke patients and their partners participated in a study evaluating an experimental rehabilitation after-care programme. The primary aim of this programme was to positively influence active recreation and pastime and social contacts after clinical rehabilitation. Three groups of about 10 patients with their partners attended the programme and a group of 18 patients was used as a control-group. There were no significant differences between patients in the experimental and control-group regarding age, sex, marital status, side of hemiplegia, hand-function, communication and hemineglect. There were three assessments: prior to as well as during the programme and half a year after completing the programme. Measurement instruments included the Sickness Impact Profile, and activity-diary, a questionnaire of social contacts and a list recording frequency of activities. Results show a statistically significant positive difference in change in the category recreation and pastime of the SIP between patients in the experimental and control-group. The participating partners show no positive change. The subjective evaluation of the programme was very positive.

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