Walking function at 1-year after stroke rehabilitation: A multicenter study

Objective: To study the mobility status of stroke patients at 1-year after discharge from inpatient stroke rehabilitation. The factors associated with walking ability at 1-year were also explored. Material and Method: A multicenter, prospective study of 327 stroke patients from the Thai Stroke Rehabilitation Registry (TSRR) were followed-up at 1-year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Based on the Modified Barthel Index, the stroke patients who had mobility score either 2 or 3 were classified as ambulators. The mobility status was reported as ambulator and non-ambulator. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine any factors associated with the walking ability at 1-year. Results: One hundred ninety two patients (58.7%) came for follow-up at 1-year. Among these, 87 (45.3%), 86 (44.8%), and 19 (9.9%) of patients had mobility skills improved, sustained, and declined respectively. Eighty-five (44.3%) patients recovered their walking ability. The stroke patients who were able to walk increased from 131 (68.2%) at discharge to 151 (78.7%) at 1-year. Meanwhile, 13 patients (6.8%) who could ambulate by walking at discharge became non-ambulators. The factors associated with the walking ability at 1-year were motor recovery of the affected leg at discharge, having no diabetes mellitus, being married, and able to change position from supine to sitting on admission. Conclusion: After being discharged from inpatient stroke rehabilitation, the walking ability had continued to improve. At one year, 78% of stroke patients had ability to ambulate. Motor power of the affected leg at discharge, having no diabetes mellitus, married and able to change position from supine to sitting on admission were factors associated with walking ability at 1-year after discharged from inpatient stroke rehabilitation.