Disability outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation for stroke.

The Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation and the Functional Independence Measure have been utilized to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing initial comprehensive inpatient medical rehabilitation for stroke. The Functional Independence Measure total, domain, subscale, and item scores were used to monitor patients during and following rehabilitation. The benchmark function values and times from stroke onset were reported, and the functional areas of physical therapy participation were noted. It is expected that these benchmarks may serve as a baseline for future study of the extent and rate of functional return following stroke and for strengthening the scientific basis of rehabilitation practice, leading to improved effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation therapy.