Factors determining functional ability of individuals with stroke in community

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the factors explaining functional ability in community-dwelling individuals with stroke. Material and Method: In all, 758 persons with acute stroke who lived in the community and joined the home physical therapy program were recruited. The personal characteristics and clinical measures were recorded at the first home visit. Measures included Glasgow coma score, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) including PASS-maintaining position and PASS-changing position and Barthel index. Results: Five variables: the PASS-maintain, PASS-change, STREAM, Glasgow coma score, and age were selected by stepwise multiple regression analysis to explain 85.6% of the variance of the Barthel Index score. The strongest predictor was the PASS-maintain, which explained 81.5% of functional score. Conclusion: The ability to maintain sitting and standing were the main contributors of activity daily living (ADL) ability. Physical therapists should emphasize treatment to improve these abilities in persons with acute stroke to promote independent ADL.