## 2 Materials and Methods
### Study Design
#### Quantitative Measures  
The START dataset consists of outcomes based on multiple tests that are used to measure impairment across distinct domains following stroke [14]. In this study, in addition to the NIHSS, we analyzed data from 6 other measures across different domains: cognition, emotional health (depression), disability, physical activity, work and social adjustment, and health-related quality of life (Figure 1). The following section provides a description of each test with the corresponding measurement criteria. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is an 11-item assessment used to evaluate the severity of neurological deficits with stroke, including consciousness, language, neglect, visual-field loss, extraocular movement, motor strength, ataxia, dysarthria, and sensory loss [17]. The potential NIHSS scores range from 0 to 42; higher scores represent more severe stroke deficits. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a sensitive and widely used screening tool to detect poststroke vascular cognitive impairment [18; 19]. The MoCA assesses diverse cognitive domains, including visuospatial and executive functions, attention, memory, language, conceptual thinking, and orientation. The total MoCA score is 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. An extra 1 point is added to the total score if a person has less than 12 years of formal education. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) measures a person's depressive symptoms [20]. Using a structured interview, the MADRS was found to have excellent inter-rater reliability [20]. The MADRS has 10 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (0-6). The total MADRS score is 60; a higher score indicates more severe depressive symptoms. A score of 18 or greater is suggestive of major depression [21]. Modified Ranking Scale (mRS)  
The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is a widely used functional outcome measure in stroke. The mRS assesses an individual's degree of disability or dependence in daily activities after stroke through a structured interview [15]. Six levels are defined in the mRS scoring from 0 to 6: 0 for no symptoms at all, 5 for total dependence, and 6 for dead. Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) Questionnaire  
The Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) is an easy-to-use, valid outcome measure that assesses levels of physical activity, and hence lifestyle, among adults [22]. The RAPA has 9 items, including 7 items for aerobic activities and 2 items for strength training and flexibility. Work and Social Adjustment Questionnaire (WSAS)  
The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) is a 5-item self-report scale of functional impairment resulting from a health problem [23]. The five WSAS items determine functional impairment according to the following dimensions: (1) work; (2) home management; (3) social leisure activities; (4) private leisure activities; and (5) relationships with others. Each item is rated on a 0 to 8 scale: 0 indicates no impairment at all and 8 indicates very severe impairment. The maximum total score on the WSAS is 40. Good reliability and validity have been reported for the WSAS [23; 24]. Figure 1: Measures used to assess the overall experience of survivors of ‘mild’ stroke. The Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) is a disease-specific, self-report questionnaire that evaluates self-perceived disability and health-related quality of life after stroke [24]. The SIS assesses the subjective impact of stroke in eight domains: strength, memory and thinking, emotion, communication, (instrumental) activities of daily living (ADL/IADL), mobility, hand function, and participation. All items within each domain are scored on a 1- to 5-point Likert scale. The total scores of each domain range from 0 to 100. Higher item scores indicate a lower level of difficulty experienced. The reliability and validity of the SIS are excellent [25; 26].