Long-term outcome poststroke: Predictors of activity limitation and participation restriction

Every country should have this kind of followup. It seems to be the only way to get stroke rehabilitation needs in front of the public.
http://www.naric.com/research/rehab/record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J62305&phrase=no&rec=117021
NARIC Accession Number: J62305. What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Gadidi, Vered; Katz-Leurer, Michal; Carmeli, Eli; Bornstein, Natan M..
Publication Year: 2011.
Number of Pages: 7.
Abstract: Study examined long-term activity limitation, participation restriction, and patients’ overall perception of recovery among stroke patients 4 years poststroke, and evaluated the association between these factors. In addition, the study investigated those factors present at the time of stroke onset that could predict the level of activity limitation and participation restriction at 4 years poststroke. All 139 first ever stroke patients admitted to the Sheba Medical Center in Israel between February and March 2004 were followed and reassessed for activity limitation and participation restrictions using the Barthel index and the Frenchay Activities Index, respectively. Perception of recovery was assessed by 2 simple questions. At 4 years poststroke, 9 patients (6.4 percent) were lost to follow-up, 71 (54.1 percent) patients had survived; 42.3 percent with activity limitation, 28.2 percent were classified as restricted in participation, and 78.1 percent felt they had not completely recovered. The most significant predictors of activity limitation at 4 years poststroke were age at stroke onset and disability in the acute phase. None of the demographic characteristics or baseline clinical features predicted participation restriction. A positive association was noted between activity limitation and participation restriction 4 years poststroke.
Descriptor Terms: DAILY LIVING, FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS, INTERNATIONAL REHABILITATION, LONGITUDINAL STUDIES, OUTCOMES, PREDICTION, STROKE.