Factors associated with functional recovery and home discharge in stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward

Aims: This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for functional recovery and home discharge in stroke patients receiving in-hospital rehabilitation. Methods: This study included a consecutive series of 174 stroke patients (average age 73.0 +/- 10.8) admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward at Azumino Red Cross Hospital in Japan after acute rehabilitation. The main outcome measures were functional recovery (functional independence measure [FIM] at discharge and Montebello rehabilitation factor score [MRFS]) and home discharge. Results: Total FIM improved from 72.6 +/- 27.6 to 87.7 +/- 29.9 during the hospital stay (P < 0.001). The average MRFS was 0.30 +/- 0.28. Of the 174 patients, 151 were discharged home (87%). Age, stroke type, premorbid independence, motor FIM, and cognitive FIM at admission showed a significant association with FIM at discharge, while age, premorbid independence, motor FIM at admission, and cognitive FIM at admission were statistically significant predictors of MRFS. Female sex, not living with family, premorbid independence, and neglect were negatively associated with home discharge. Conclusions: Premorbid disability and cognitive dysfunction at admission were both negatively associated with functional recovery and home discharge in patients undergoing inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 215- 222.