Determinants of driving after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To identify variables that best predict a team's decision of driving ability in stroke patients from a predriving assessment.


METHODS
Retrospective study of a 2-year predriving evaluation.


METHODS
Belgian Institute for Road Safety.


METHODS
One hundred four patients with sequelae of first stroke.


METHODS
Predriving assessments and road test.


METHODS
The suitability to resume driving based on a team decision and performance in the road test.


RESULTS
Forty-one patients (39.4%) were judged suitable, 45 (43.3%) not immediately suitable, and 18 (17.3%) not suitable to drive. Correlation coefficients and comparisons between groups revealed that most variables had significant individual relationships with the team decision and performance on the road test. After logistic regression analysis, side of lesion, kinetic vision, visual scanning, and a road test led to the best model in predicting the team decision (R(2) =.53). The road test was the most important determinant (R(2) =.42). Multiple regression analysis showed that the combination of acuity of left and right eyes and the figure of Rey was the best subset to predict the road test (R(2) =.28).


CONCLUSIONS
The predictive accuracy of the team's decision is limited, and the road test is even lower. Inclusion of more real-road-related tests in the predriving assessment is necessary.
Akinwuntan
Abiodun E
AE
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium. Emmanuel.Akinwuntan@flok.kuleuven.ac.be
Feys
Hilde
H
DeWeerdt
Willy
W
Pauwels
Jan
J
Baten
Guido
G
Strypstein
Emmanuel
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014787:Vision Tests