[The relationship between functional recovery one year after a stroke, and related factors]

This study examines the factors affecting functional performance of 40 hemiplegic subjects in their homes following discharge from the hospital. All subjects suffered a cerebral vascular accident at least one year prior to this research period. Barthel Index was used to assess subjects' self-reported functional level in activities of daily living (ADL). A backward elimination of stepwise regression analysis was performed to ascertain the predictive value of the variables in determining functional performance one year after the onset of a stroke. These variables are factors related to the initial onset and those affecting the patient's functional status at home. The results revealed that subjects who had a shorter length of stay in the hospital, scored a higher on the Barthel Index (p less than 0.05). It also demonstrated that subjects who were more satisfied with their current subjective health status, had a higher Barthel Index score.