Reconceptualizing poststroke activity level using the Frenchay Activities Index

Modifications of the Frenchay Activities Index were implemented in a study of postacute stroke rehabilitation outcomes. These modifications incorporated the prestroke activity levels and postrehabilitation goals and assessments of activity importance of 136 persons with stroke who received services in either a single modality or comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation setting. Prestroke activity levels were assessed retrospectively at admission to postacute rehabilitation, and current activity levels were assessed at discharge and 3 months post discharge. Prestroke activity levels were used to determine postrehabilitation goal attainment. Results showed that activities for which goals were less likely to be attained were more strenuous in nature, and activities for which goals were more likely to be attained were more sedentary in nature. The importance persons placed on specific activities was used to tailor the estimates of overall activity levels to reflect their importance to each person. Results showed that adjusting for importance decreased the estimate of prestroke activity level but had little effect on poststroke activity level. Incorporation of these modifications represents a reconceptualization of poststroke activity levels that clinicians can use to guide their selection of postacute rehabilitation therapy goals.