Predictive factors of functional abilities in older patients with peripheral neuropathy

Little is known about the outcome predictors in peripheral neuropathy (PN). This prospective observational study aimed to identify possible factors predicting the functional abilities in older patients with PN undergoing motor rehabilitation.

Data were collected in 80 PN patients, aged over 65 years, performing a standard inpatient motor rehabilitation program. The total Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score after rehabilitation, as well as efficiency and effectiveness in total-FIM, were the outcome measures. Backward multiple regression analyses identified the predictors of functional status.

At the end of rehabilitation, total-FIM score was 102.66 ± 10.75, efficiency in total-FIM 0.64 ± 0.29 and effectiveness in total-FIM 48.81 ± 15.35%. Katz index at admission was a predictor of the final total-FIM score (beta 0.46, p < 0.001) and efficiency in total-FIM (beta - 0.38, p = 0.001). Conversely, age was a predictor of the final total-FIM score (beta - 0.31, p = 0.002) and effectiveness in total-FIM (beta - 0.49, p < 0.001). The R² values of the models were, respectively, 0.39, 0.15, and 0.24.

In PN patients, functional impairment at admission and age are important predictors of functional abilities at the end of rehabilitation.

These findings suggest the need for more intensive rehabilitation in older, more disabled PN patients because they risk achieving lower functional levels with standard rehabilitation programs.