Article

The aim of this study is to compare the time-course changes in neurologic
impairments (trunk control, motor function, sensory, and cognition) and recovery
in functional impairments (activity of daily livings and gait) simultaneously
from initiating rehabilitation to 6 months after stroke. Consecutive stroke
patients were recruited from the department of nervous surgery, and transferred
into the department of rehabilitation medicine and continued on treatment during
the acute stage. Outcome measures were examined at the initial rehabilitation
baseline, 1, 2, and 4 weeks after rehabilitation treatment, and 3, 4, 5, and 6
months after stroke. Patients were assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale, the
Fugl-Meyer Motor and Sensory Assessments for the upper and lower limbs,
Mini-Mental State Examination, Functional Ambulation Category, and Modified
Barthel Index. Twenty consecutive patients were analyzed in the study with
complete assessments. The recovery was relatively rapid during the 4 weeks after
treatment (P value ranges from <0.001 to <0.007) and then to a lesser extent
decelerated between 3 and 6 months after stroke (P value between <0.001 and
0.080). Statistical comparison by repeated measures analysis showed a significant
interaction between time points and measures of all recovery variables (P<0.001).
Significant differences in level of impairments and functional recovery were
found at the different time points. In comparison with the lower leg and trunk
control, the upper arm showed less recovery, with a significant difference. All
variables except for leg motor function improved continuously over 6 months after
stroke. Nevertheless, this study confirms the importance of the period within 3
months for recovery after stroke, during which most of the recovery occurred,
ranging from 48 to 91%. Therefore, intensive treatment targeting motor and
sensory functions early after stroke may be beneficial for recovery of
impairments and functional performance.

Langue : ANGLAIS