PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - D T Wade
AU  - R L Hewer
TI  - Functional abilities after stroke: measurement, natural history and prognosis.
AID  - 10.1136/jnnp.50.2.177
DP  - 1987 Feb 01
TA  - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
PG  - 177--182
VI  - 50
IP  - 2
4099  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/50/2/177.short
4100  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/50/2/177.full
SO  - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry1987 Feb 01; 50
AB  - Actual functional performance of 976 acute stroke patients was assessed using the Barthel index: the data were analysed to determine the frequency of disability after stroke, the validity of the Barthel index, and the recovery seen. At 6 months, over 45% of survivors were functionally independent. Validity of the Barthel index was confirmed: it related as expected with motor loss and factor analysis showed a single major factor. The items of the Barthel index form an hierarchical scale. There was some recovery between 3 weeks and 6 months in almost all patients: the major prognostic factors were urinary incontinence, functional ability, sitting balance and age.