title: A systematic review of studies reporting multivariable models to predict functional outcomes after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This systematic review summarizes the utility of variables available at acute discharge after stroke for predicting functional independence at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of four electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) was conducted to identify studies reporting multivariable models predicting post-rehabilitation Barthel Index (BI) or Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) scores. In studies meeting inclusion criteria, the frequency with which candidate predictors were found statistically significant was calculated and summarized.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 3260 articles were screened, of which 27 were included and 63 multivariable models of discharge BI or FIM® were reported. In all, 126 candidate predictors of BI or FIM® were explored. Variables found to be significant most frequently included admission functional level (BI or FIM®), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), dysphasia, impulsivity, neglect, previous stroke, and age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only a selected group of variables have repeatedly proven to be significant predictors of functional ability after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation. [Box: see text].
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry , London, Ontario , Canada .
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Shelialah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McClure
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Teasell
authors.forename: Amardeep
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thind
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koval
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Speechley
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011379:Prognosis; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Barthel Index; cerebrovascular accident; functional independence measure; stroke,