The relationship between initial trunk performances and functional prognosis in patients with stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To confirm the relationship between initial trunk performance and functional outcomes according to gait ability, and whether initial trunk performance is of predictive value in terms of functional prognosis in patients with stroke.


METHODS
We reviewed 135 patients who suffered from stroke. Trunk performance of the patients was evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to gait ability at initial stage of stroke. Correlation analyses were performed to assess relationship between initial TIS and functional outcomes. We also evaluated the relationship between initial TIS and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) subitems. Finally, stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the predictive validity of initial TIS and its subscales with functional outcomes.


RESULTS
For both groups, initial TIS was correlated with K-MBI and Functional Ambulation Categories at 4 weeks after stroke; however, the relationship did not remain stable at 6 months in ambulatory patients. All K-MBI subitems, which were associated with trunk movement, as well as others about basic skills was correlated with initial TIS. Finally, when of subscales TIS, dynamic sitting balance (TIS-D) was included in by stepwise multiple regression analyses, high proportion of the explained variance was represented.


CONCLUSIONS
The strong relationship between trunk performance and functional outcomes in patients with stroke emphasizes the importance of trunk rehabilitation. Indeed, an evaluation of a patient's initial TIS after stroke, especially TIS-D, could be helpful in predicting patient's functional prognosis.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Tha Joo
TJ
Kim
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Kyung Mook
KM
Seo
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Don-Kyu
DK
Kim
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Si Hyun
SH
Kang
Activities of daily living; Gait; Postural balance; Prognosis; Stroke