Recovery after stroke: a 1-year profile.
OBJECTIVE
To document the course of recovery in a group of first stroke patients, with stroke of moderate severity, over a 1-year period. Evaluation of recovery is important for estimating rehabilitation needs.


METHODS
One-year observational study of 23 acute first stroke patients. Recovery was assessed at 15 specific intervals using measures of impairment, activity, social participation and quality of life.


RESULTS
There were significant changes in impairment (p < 0.05) and motor disability over 1 year (F ratio = 75.627, d.f. = 4, p < or = 0.0001) including the period between 6 and 12 months though recovery did appear to slow down after a 9-week 'turning point'. Significant improvements in social participation were also seen between 6 and 12 months (p = 0.0021). Quality of life did not change and patients' quality of life scores indicated levels of 'severe distress' at 6 (57.8 [8.8]) and 12 months (58.9 [8.6]).


CONCLUSIONS
Recovery after stroke was detectable beyond 6 months using detailed measures. This demonstration of late recovery has therapeutic implications. An increased understanding of the course of recovery following stroke could provide a basis for evaluating the varied aspects of therapeutic intervention in stroke rehabilitation.
Horgan
N Frances
NF
School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland. fhorgan@rcsi.ie
O'Regan
Myra
M
Cunningham
Conal J
CJ
Finn
Ann M
AM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation