Five-Year Changes in Physical and Cognitive Function in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: An Ambispective Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in physical and cognitive function in individuals with chronic stroke over five years and to explore factors associated with long-term outcomes. Methods: This ambispective cohort study included individuals with chronic stroke who had participated in a previous cross-sectional study conducted between 2018 and 2019. Assessments were performed at baseline and five-year follow-up (2023-2024). Primary outcomes were physical function, assessed using the six-minute walk test (6MWT), comfortable and fast gait speeds measured by the ten-meter walk test (10MWT), and cognitive function, assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: Thirty-two individuals participated (mean age 63.5 ± 10.3 years; median time since stroke 7.0 years). The six-minute walk distance declined by 22% (263.7 to 206.8 m, p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes were observed in gait speed or cognitive function. Age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, baseline values of the 6MWT and 10MWT, and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form; MNA-SF) showed associations with physical outcomes. For cognitive outcomes, baseline NIHSS score, baseline MMSE score, MNA-SF score, and education level showed associations. However, sensitivity analyses suggested that the associations involving MNA-SF and education level were not robust. Conclusions: Physical function declines over five years in individuals with chronic stroke, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up. While global cognition (MMSE) remained stable, domain-specific declines cannot be ruled out. Baseline stroke severity, nutritional status, and initial functional and cognitive performance may be associated with long-term outcomes.