Functional recovery in young stroke patients.

Thirty young stroke patients were retrospectively assessed for levels of activities of daily living and of basic functional movements. Scores upon admission, discharge, and follow-up were compared in order to evaluate course of rehabilitation and functional outcome. Mean length of stay in the rehabilitation ward was 87 +/- 17 days, and duration of follow-up was 31 +/- 8 months. Multivariate analysis of covariance confirmed significant improvements during hospitalization, in transfer, standing, sitting and walking abilities (F = 3.5, p less than 0.02), as well as in activities of daily living (F = 4.7, p less than 0.01). Further improvement during the follow-up period was observed for standing and walking abilities (F = 10.2, p less than 0.001) only. No fatalities occurred among the patients during the study period. Eighty-one percent of the patients resumed their previous or other jobs six months after discharge. We conclude that for young stroke patients admitted to a rehabilitation ward shortly after the event, prognosis in terms of survival and functional outcome is favorable, and independent of precipitating factor, age, sex, or side of weakness.