RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Functional abilities after stroke: measurement, natural history and prognosis.
JF Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
JO J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 177
OP 182
DO 10.1136/jnnp.50.2.177
VO 50
IS 2
A1 D T Wade
A1 R L Hewer
YR 1987
UL http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/50/2/177.abstract
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.