Prevalence of Walking Limitation after Acute Stroke and its Impact on Discharge to Home

CONCLUSION: Approximately half of patients with first-ever stroke present with lower extremity weakness and walking limitation. Early walking ability is a significant predictor of returning home after acute hospitalization, independent of stroke severity. Discharge planning may be facilitated early after stroke with the familiar assessment of walking ability.IMPACT: An early assessment of walking function within days of stroke admission can help to streamline discharge planning.LAY SUMMARY: Nearly half of all individuals who experience a first-time stroke have walking difficulty when they arrive to the hospital. The severity of the walking limitation can predict whether a patient will eventually be discharged home or go on to further hospitalization.PMID:34718796 | DOI:10.1093/ptj/pzab246
Source: Physical Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Source Type: research