Trends in post-stroke functional independence over a 5-year period: A pilot study

The aim of this pilot study was to identify trends in functional independence over time in community-dwelling stroke survivors. This community-based, follow-up study examined 75 community-dwelling, ischaemic stroke survivors in Newcastle, Australia. Post-stroke functioning was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) in stroke sub-type categories using the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project Classification.

Ischaemic stroke survivors who were discharged with a dependent level of functioning after first-ever stroke were shown to have a 54% chance of achieving independence if they survived up to 5 years in the community. Survivors with lacunar infarction and posterior circulation infarction stroke sub-types were the most likely to achieve independence.