Change in Mobility Activity in the Second Year After Stroke in a Rehabilitation Population: Who is at Risk for Decline?

van Wijk I, Algra A, van de Port IG, Bevaart B, Lindeman E. Change in mobility activity in the second year after stroke in a rehabilitation population: who is at risk for decline?ObjectivesTo investigate the development of mobility status during the second year after stroke in patients who had had inpatient rehabilitation, and to evaluate risk factors for mobility decline.DesignEvaluation of change in Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) score over the second year after stroke in an inception cohort of first-ever stroke patients eligible for inpatient rehabilitation. Logistic regression techniques were used to predict decline. Independent variables were measured with standardized instruments 1 year after stroke.SettingHome or institution, after discharge from rehabilitation center.ParticipantsPatients (N=148) with single first-ever stroke (supratentorial), age more than 18 years.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresDecline of 2 or more points on the RMI and the percentages and odds ratios (ORs) for decline.ResultsThe mean RMI score did not significantly change over time. Mobility declined in 12% of the patients. Mobility decline was found more often in patients with depression (25%) than without (7%), with right-sided weakness (17% vs 8%), with ischemic stroke (13% vs 8%), with aphasia (22% vs 11%), with cognitive dysfunction (17% vs 11%), with comorbidity interfering with locomotion (25% vs 12%), with poor social functioning (15% vs 10%), and with mobility disability (16% vs 8%). Statistical significance was found only for depression (OR=4.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13.2).ConclusionsMost patients maintained the level of mobility they achieved during inpatient rehabilitation over the second year after stroke. Only 12% had a decline in mobility, and depression was the only statistically significant predictor for decline.