ABSTRACT
Objective We used a trajectory analysis to evaluate the course of participation in a sample of stroke patients in German neurological outpatient rehabilitation centres. Among other benefits, the method of trajectory analysis enables exploration of variables that influence the course of rehabilitation. Method In a multicentric observational study, patients at 17 outpatient neurorehabilitation centres were asked to fill in a questionnaire four times: at the time of admission to the rehabilitation center, on discharge and on month 4 and 12 post rehab. Additionally, clinical experts were asked to rate the patients' status at admission and discharge. Results and conclusions We obtained data on 364 stroke patients. There was deterioration in the social participation of 36 (9.9 %) patients, no change was observed in the participation of 173 (47.5 %) patients, and there was improvement in the participation of 155 (42.6 %) patients. 99 patients among the 173 patients that did not show changes in participation had already started with good participation scores. This questions the need for rehabilitation for this group. According to the sociodemographic variables, we could show that only sex and income are important for the course of rehabilitation. Further research is necessary about context factors that influence trajectories.
