Abstract
Actual functional performance of 976 acute stroke patients was assessed using the Barthel index: the data were analysed to determine the frequency of disability after stroke, the validity of the Barthel index, and the recovery seen. At 6 months, over 45% of survivors were functionally independent. Validity of the Barthel index was confirmed: it related as expected with motor loss and factor analysis showed a single major factor. The items of the Barthel index form an hierarchical scale. There was some recovery between 3 weeks and 6 months in almost all patients: the major prognostic factors were urinary incontinence, functional ability, sitting balance and age.
Keywords
Barthel indexStroke (engine)Balance (ability)Physical medicine and rehabilitationActivities of daily livingPhysical therapyMedicineUrinary incontinencePsychologySurgery
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Publication Info
- Year
- 1987
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 50
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 177-182
- Citations
- 880
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
Derick T Wade,
R L Hewer
(1987).
Functional abilities after stroke: measurement, natural history and prognosis..
Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
, 50
(2)
, 177-182.
https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.50.2.177
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1136/jnnp.50.2.177