A five-year follow-up of stroke survivors: motorfunction and activities of daily living

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Abstract
At the University Hospital, Uppsala, a study was conducted to assess and follow the changes in motor activities, primary activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL over a five-year period. The functional level of 280 acute stroke patients was assessed over five years. One year after the stroke 193 patients (68%) were alive, and after five years 113 patients (40%). Of the latter, 101 patients were assessed. During the first year after the stroke, a significant improvement was shown in all the assessed variables. However, most of the variables had deteriorated significantly between one and five years post-stroke. The activities that were best preserved were primary ADL and locomotion. The ability to perform active movements, maintain balance, walk and perform some household tasks and some psychosocial activities had declined. Five years post-stroke approximately one-quarter had substantial motor loss and one-third were moderately impaired. Three-quarters managed their primary ADL without or almost without help. Differences were found between men and women in instrumental ADL behaviour, the women showing more deterioration post-stroke. In spite of this most of the patients felt satisfied with their health and life situation.

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