Stroke disability

Center for Health Policy Research and Education, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of disability in the elderly. Although the incidence of stroke is decreasing, its prevalence in the population is increasing because of enhanced survival and a growing elderly population. Estimating and understanding disability following stroke should be a high priority in health care. To better characterize stroke-related disability, physical therapists should use a conceptual model of disablement and measure functions across all domains of disablement (impairments, functional limitations, disability, and quality of life). Therapists need to use the measurements obtained and knowledge of stroke recovery and of the variables that influence this recovery to stage patients for prediction of outcomes. Using predicted outcomes to stage patients may result in effective treatment plans and more accurate targeting of intensive rehabilitation to those patients most likely to benefit.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. M. Nelson, M. A. Smith, B. C. Martinson, A. Kind, and R. V. Luepker Declining Patient Functioning and Caregiver Burden/Health: The Minnesota Stroke Survey-Quality of Life After Stroke Study Gerontologist, October 1, 2008; 48(5): 573 - 583. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. L Scheets, S. A Sahrmann, and B. J Norton Use of Movement System Diagnoses in the Management of Patients With Neuromuscular Conditions: A Multiple-Patient Case Report Physical Therapy, June 1, 2007; 87(6): 654 - 669. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A Olofsson, S-O Andersson, and B Carlberg 'If only I manage to get home I'll get better'-Interviews with stroke patients after emergency stay in hospital on their experiences and needs Clinical Rehabilitation, April 1, 2005; 19(4): 433 - 440. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R.-Y. Wang, L.-L. Yen, C.-C. Lee, P.-Y. Lin, M.-F. Wang, and Y.-R. Yang Effects of an ankle-foot orthosis on balance performance in patients with hemiparesis of different durations Clinical Rehabilitation, January 1, 2005; 19(1): 37 - 44. [Abstract] [PDF]

				Y. Fang, X. Chen, H. Li, J. Lin, R. Huang, and i. Zeng A study on additional early physiotherapy after stroke and factors affecting functional recovery Clinical Rehabilitation, June 1, 2003; 17(6): 608 - 617. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. Monger, J. H Carr, and V. Fowler Evaluation of a home-based exercise and training programme to improve sit-to-stand in patients with chronic stroke Clinical Rehabilitation, April 1, 2002; 16(4): 361 - 367. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. A. Geiger, J. B Allen, J. O'Keefe, and R. R Hicks Balance and Mobility Following Stroke: Effects of Physical Therapy Interventions With and Without Biofeedback/Forceplate Training Physical Therapy, April 1, 2001; 81(4): 995 - 1005. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Wolfe, A. Rudd, K. Tilling, L. W. Holmqvist, S. Lecturer, P. L. von Koch, P. L. RPT, P. candidate, V. Kostulas, M. Holm, et al. Trials of Community Rehabilitation Need To Be of Adequate Sample Size • Response: Stroke, August 1, 1998; 29 (8): 1737 - 1739. [Full Text]

				L. W. Holmqvist, L. von Koch, V. Kostulas, M. Holm, G. Widsell, H. Tegler, K. Johansson, J. Almazan, and J. de Pedro-Cuesta A Randomized Controlled Trial of Rehabilitation at Home After Stroke in Southwest Stockholm Stroke, March 1, 1998; 29(3): 591 - 597. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Beckerman, J. Becher, G. Lankhorst, A. Verbeek, and T. Vogelaar The efficacy of thermocoagulation of the tibial nerve and a polypropylene ankle-foot orthosis on spasticity of the leg in stroke patients: results of a randomized clinical trial Clinical Rehabilitation, May 1, 1996; 10(2): 112 - 120. [Abstract] [PDF]