Recovery of mobility function and life-space mobility after ischemic stroke: the MOBITEC-Stroke study protocol

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Gerontology

Background:

• Stroke is a leading cause of disability, with incidence rising with age.
• Mobility limitations post-stroke necessitate assistance with daily activities.
• Detailed understanding of mobility recovery is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Characterize mobility, lower extremity physical function (LEPF), and life space changes in the first year post-stroke.
• Identify subgroups with distinct mobility recovery trajectories.
• Examine the association between LEPF changes and life-space changes.
• Assess reasons for outdoor mobility, transportation use, and assistance needs.

Main Methods:

• Cohort study of 59 first-stroke patients living at home.
• Mobility tests (balance, strength, gait analysis) at 3, 6, 9, 12 months.
• Life-space assessment with GPS and digital maps for reasons, transport, and assistance.
• Statistical analysis using linear mixed effects models and growth mixture models.

Main Results:

• Trajectories of mobility measures will be modeled for the overall sample and subgroups.
• Exploratory analysis to identify distinct mobility recovery patterns.
• Association between LEPF changes and life-space changes will be tested.
• Descriptive analysis of outdoor mobility motivations, transport, and aid.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive knowledge of recovery patterns enables tailored rehabilitation.
• Understanding outdoor mobility drivers allows for patient-centered goals.
• Optimized rehabilitation planning can improve functional outcomes after stroke.