Age-related rehabilitation outcome in stroke patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients who survive a stroke usually have residual neurological deficits. Consequently, a rehabilitation program is valuable for improving their quality of life (QOL). However, age is a known factor that needs qualification vis-à-vis rehabilitation outcomes among Thai patients. OBJECTIVE: To study the functional and psychological outcomes and the QOL before and after rehabilitation program among three age groups of Thai stroke patients (< or = 44, 45-64 and > or = 65 years of age). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, analytical study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three hundred and twenty seven stroke patients were measured using the Barthel index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire before and after undergoing an in-patient rehabilitation program. Data were collected from nine sites around Thailand. RESULTS: Functional and psychological outcomes and the quality of life score improved after the rehabilitation program. The youngest group of stroke victims showed the greatest improvement in functional outcome and QOL score in both the physical and social domains. No significant difference was found regarding anxiety and depression among the three groups. CONCLUSION: An in-patient rehabilitation program was of benefit to Thai stroke patients but age significantly determined rehabilitation outcomes.