Relationship between self-reported function and disability and balance performance measures in the elderly

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Fifty-five older adults (mean age 79.7 +/- 5.2) participated. We calculated test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Partial correlations determined the construct validity with a balance measure (Berg Balance Scale [BBS]) and a mobility measure (Timed Up and Go [TUG] test). We examined known-group validity by comparing the scores of cane and noncane users. Test-retest ICCs ranged from good to excellent (0.77-0.90) for the function component and fair to good for the disability component (0.63-0.83), except for the disability management role subscale (0.46). BBS and TUG were associated with LLFDI overall function (r = 0.48, p < 0.001 and r = -0.52, p < 0.001, respectively). TUG and BBS were weakly associated with disability limitations (r = -0.26 and 0.32, respectively) and disability frequency (r = -0.16 and 0.24, respectively). Cane users showed significantly lower function scores than noncane users. We demonstrated that the Hebrew version of the LLFDI reliably and validly assesses older adults' function and disability. The LLFDI is recommended as an outcome instrument in studies in which older adults' function and disability are outcomes of interest.     

Evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes in older patients with hip fractures

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated functional outcomes in patients with hip fracture after inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: The physical and cognitive functioning of 100 patients with hip fracture were determined by using the FIM instrument. The Montebello rehabilitation factor score was used to reflect rehabilitative outcome. Follow-up data were collected from 44 patients by using a telephone FIM interview. RESULTS: Discharge total FIM scores improved. The Montebello rehabilitation factor score for rehabilitation efficacy and efficiency scores both demonstrated improvement for patient function during inpatient rehabilitation. The mean motor FIM domain scores for transfer mobility and locomotion were lower at discharge compared with the domains of self-care and sphincter control. A subgroup of 44 patients showed no change in mean motor FIM domain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient rehabilitation improves overall functional independence as measured by the FIM instrument. Relative change, as measured by the Montebello rehabilitation factor score, indicated that rehabilitation outcome for locomotion was not maximized, despite exhibiting large absolute gains during inpatient rehabilitation. The improvements demonstrated at discharge were maintained at follow-up for a subgroup of 44 patients. Improved locomotion skills and maximizing ability to transfer independently are areas in which inpatient rehabilitation may be targeted to improve function in the future.     

Effect of rehabilitation site on functional recovery after hip fracture

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether FIM instrument motor outcomes differ between hip fracture survivors undergoing rehabilitation in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). DESIGN: Inception cohort with follow-up to 12 weeks after hospital discharge. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital, IRFs, and SNFs. PARTICIPANTS: All hip fracture patients prospectively admitted between March 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003, were eligible if they were 60 years or older and had surgical stabilization of the fracture. INTERVENTIONS: Posthip fracture rehabilitation delivered at either IRFs or SNFs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: FIM motor score obtained postoperatively and at 2 and 12 weeks posthospital discharge. RESULTS: IRF patients stayed an average of 12.8 days, whereas SNF patients averaged 36.2 days. Rehabilitation participation scores were obtained during therapy sessions and did not differ between groups. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance found a significant group by time interaction (F 2,68 =23.75, P <.001), which indicates that patients in an IRF had significantly higher FIM motor scores than those in an SNF across time. Logistic regression showed that IRF subjects were more likely to reach 95% of their prefracture FIM motor by week 12 than were SNF patients. A significantly higher percentage of IRF patients were discharged home after rehabilitation compared with SNF patients. CONCLUSIONS: IRF patients had superior 12-week functional outcomes, as measured by the FIM motor score, compared with those treated in an SNF. The improved outcomes occurred during a significantly shorter rehabilitation length of stay and remained even when statistically controlling for baseline differences between groups. These data suggest that hip fracture survivors should not be excluded from receiving inpatient rehabilitation services. Randomized clinical trials are needed to understand more fully differences between rehabilitation treatment settings.     

Testing functional performance in people with Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is the most common performance measure for people with Parkinson disease (PD), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Forward Functional Reach Test (FFR), Backward Functional Reach Test (BFR), Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG), and gait speed may be used to quantify some aspects of functional performance not measured by the UPDRS. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship among a set of tests of balance, walking performance, and mobility in people with PD. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five community-dwelling adults (11 female, 14 male) with a diagnosis of PD were recruited from PD support groups in southeastern Wisconsin and consented to participate in the study. The mean age of the participants was 76 years (SD=7). The average Hoehn and Yahr Stage Scale score was 2. METHODS: Functional abilities of each subject were assessed with the UPDRS, BBS, FFR, BFR, TUG, and gait speed. Spearman and Pearson correlations were performed. RESULTS: The UPDRS total score was correlated with the BBS (r=-.64, P<.001), FFR (r=-.52, P<.05), and TUG (r=.50, P<.05) measurements. The BBS is the only test of functional performance where scores correlate with all other functional tests and the UPDRS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The UPDRS total score may not reflect a comprehensive measure of mobility in people with PD. Because the BBS scores correlate both with UPDRS scores and with scores of all other tests of functional performance, the BBS appears to be a good overall measure of function in this population.     

Predicting outcomes after hip fracture repair

OBJECTIVE: To compare the activities of daily living before and after hip fracture and construct a statistical model for discharge destination and independent walking. The classification accuracy of the model was determined from an independent sample. DESIGN: Prospective study: FIM prefracture, at discharge, and at 6-mo follow-up were obtained from 63 patients who underwent operations for acute hip fractures. A statistical model for discharge destination and independent walking was made and classification accuracy was checked using 78 independent samples. RESULTS: The motor FIM scores at prefracture decreased significantly at discharge (P < 0.0001) and at 6-mo follow-up (P < 0.0001), but at 6-mo follow-up, they had increased significantly compared with those at discharge (P = 0.0103). A mobility subscale was used to predict discharge destination, and mobility and social cognition subscales were related to independent walking. The predictive accuracy was 87%. CONCLUSIONS: Motor FIM scores increase for at least 6 mos after hip fracture, and discharge destination and independent walking were highly predictable from FIM mobility and social cognition subscales.     

Influence of admission hematocrit on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes after total knee and hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: To examine admission hematocrit (Hct) status on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes after total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA). DESIGN: This study was a retrospective, exploratory analysis. Patients (n = 400) were stratified by admission hematocrit levels: normal (Hct >or=36-41%, World Health Organization criteria for normal Hct in women and men), low (Hct between the operational 30% cutoff and 36-41%), and very low (Hct <30%). Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores and specific lower-body FIM motor scores, FIM efficiency, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges were analyzed. RESULTS: Regardless of arthroplasty joint, all improved total FIM score, motor FIM score, and specific lower-body activity FIM scores (walking, wheelchair, dressing, transfers, stairs) by discharge (all P < 0.05). LOS was 28.9-31% longer in the TKA-very low Hct and THA-very low Hct groups than in the normal Hct groups (P = 0.026). Total hospital charges were 32.6-45.6% higher in the TKA-very low Hct and THA-very low Hct groups than in the normal Hct groups (P < 0.05). Hct was a significant contributor to the variance of linear regression models for LOS and total charges (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although very low Hct at admission does not impede functional gains, it is related to longer LOS and greater hospital charges. Rehabilitation teams should consider this when preparing plans of care, rehabilitation goals, and plans for discharge.     

The association between psychotropic medication use and functional outcome of elderly hip-fracture patients undergoing rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: To study the interrelations between use of psychotropic medications and functional outcomes of elderly hip fracture patients undergoing rehabilitation. DESIGN: A retrospective parallel group study. SETTING: A geriatric rehabilitation department in a large urban academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Records of 432 elderly people with extracapsular or intracapsular hip fractures were initially screened between 1999 and 2003. Of these, 263 subjects were eligible for the study. Their average age was 82.2+/-6.9 years. The average length of stay was 29.0+/-10.2 days. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute (uncorrected) functional gains measured by the FIM instrument and relative (corrected) FIM gains calculated according to the Montebello equation. RESULTS: Of the 263 patients included in the final analysis, 153 (62.4%) were treated with psychotropics. The 2 groups were similar, yet psychotropic drug users were more likely to be women (P = .028) and to suffer intracapsular fractures (P = .027). Similar improvements in absolute FIM scores were observed during rehabilitation in both groups. However, both total and motor relative functional gains were lower in psychotropic drug users (.33+/-0.1 vs .39+/-0.1, P = .021) than in nonusers (.31+/-0.1 vs .42+/-0.2, P = .039). Regression analysis showed that female sex ( P = .029), higher Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination score (P < .001), and independent prefracture function (P < .01) were associated with higher motor FIM gains. Use of minor tranquillizers was only slightly-and adversely-associated with lower FIM gains (r = -2.68, P = .047), whereas the use of antidepressants and antipsychotics had no effect on these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Use of psychotropic medications does not appear to be associated with functional outcome of elderly hip fracture patients undergoing rehabilitation.     

Measuring rehabilitation outcome in post-acute hip fractured patients

Abstract

Purpose: To present our experience in measuring rehabilitation achievements of post-acute hip fractured patients with the FIM instrument; assess its appropriateness as to the patients’ various disability levels and describe our experience with other measuring tools in patients less sensitive to changes in the FIM instrument. Methods: A retrospective study performed in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation center. Three hundred and eighty-seven hip fractured patients admitted from January 2010 to May 2012 were included in this study. Patients were evaluated by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Timed Get Up and Go (TUG) test and “bed to chair” transfer FIM parameter. The study population was divided into three disability groups according to their admission disability level: high (admission FIM score <40), moderate (FIM 40–79) and low (FIM?≥?80). The Mann–Whitney U, ANOVA and Chi square tests analyzed the data. Results: The FIM instrument was found most sensitive in identifying functional change in patients with moderate disability. Low disability patients received more physio- and occupational-therapy treatment time, yet achieved a lower mean FIM score change compared to moderately disabled patients. The smallest real difference (SRD?=?13) for the FIM score was achieved by 60% of patients with moderate disability. When assessed by the TUG test, most patients (94%) improved their score. The SRD% of 31% was achieved by 71.7% of the patients. Nineteen patients (35.9%) achieved a discharge score of <20?s. The high disability group achieved the lowest mean FIM score change. On admission, 52/64 (81%) patients required considerable help in transferring from bed to chair (FIM 1–2), however, upon discharge, the majority (69.2%) improved to the level of a one man transfer (FIM?≥?3). Forty-one (64.1%) patients were discharged home. Conclusion: Post-acute hip fracture patients exhibit variable functional ability. Assessing rehabilitation achievements with a disability measure is limited; therefore, it is advisable to use an instrument most suitable to the patients’ disability level.

• Implication for Rehabilitation

• Post-acute hip fracture patients exhibit variable functional ability.

• Assessing rehabilitation achievements with a disability measure is limited.

• It is advisable to use an instrument most suitable to the patients’ disability level.

     

A preliminary examination of the CMS eligibility criteria in total-joint arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: To analyze inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in total-knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total-hip arthroplasty (THA) patients using the 2004 Medicare 75% rule criteria. DESIGN: This retrospective study compared outcomes in unilateral TKA (UTKA), bilateral TKA (BTKA), and THA after interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation (n = 867). Patients were separated into three comparison pairs: 1) UTKA or BTKA, 2) age <85 yrs or > or =85 yrs, and 3) body mass index (BMI) <50 or > or =50 kg/m. Length of stay (LOS), functional independence measure (FIM) scores (total, motor, and cognitive), hospital charges, FIM efficiency, and discharge disposition were analyzed. RESULTS: BTKA improved total FIM score more than UTKA (43 vs. 38%; P = 0.039). TKA with BMI > or =50 kg/m had similar admission and discharge FIM motor scores compared with BMI <50 kg/m (P > 0.05). TKA patients > or =85 yrs had lower admission FIM scores, longer LOS (11.3 vs. 9.4 days), and 22% higher total charges than TKA patients younger than 85 yrs (P = 0.042). THA patients > or =85 yrs had 6-10% lower total FIM, FIM motor, and FIM cognition scores and were discharged to home less frequently than younger patients (P < 0.05). Total and daily charges were 21-162% higher in THA patients with BMIs > or =50 kg/m than in THA patients with BMIs <50 kg/m (P < 0.045). CONCLUSION: All patients made functional gains during rehabilitation. However, the most costly and lengthy rehabilitation occurred in TKA patients > or =85 yrs and THA patients with BMI > or =50 kg/m.     

Significance of poor patient participation in physical and occupational therapy for functional outcome and length of stay

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of poor patient participation during inpatient physical (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) sessions and to examine the influence of poor participation on functional outcome and length of stay (LOS). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University-based, freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-two inpatients, primarily elderly (age range, 20-96y), with a variety of impairment diagnoses (eg, stroke), who were admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale, the 13 motor items from the FIM instrument (FIM motor), LOS, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: We categorized the sample into 3 groups: "good" participators were those for whom all inpatient PT and OT sessions were rated 4 or greater (n=139), "occasional poor" participators were those with less than 25% of scores rated below 4 (n=53), and "frequent poor" participators were those with 25% or more of scores rated below 4 (n=50). Change in FIM motor scores during the inpatient rehabilitation stay was significantly better for good and occasional poor participators, compared with frequent poor participators (mean FIM improvement: 23.2, 22.8, and 17.6, respectively; repeated-measures analysis of variance group by time interaction, P <.002). LOS was significantly longer for occasional poor participators, compared with good and frequent poor participators controlling for admission FIM differences (adjusted means: 13.9d, 11.0d, and 10.9d, respectively; analysis of covariance, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Poor participation in therapy is common during inpatient rehabilitation and has important clinical implications, in terms of lower improvement in FIM scores and longer LOS. These results suggest that poor inpatient rehabilitation participation and its antecedents deserve further attention.     

Clock drawing and rehabilitation outcome in hip fracture patients

Purpose.?To assess the relationship between the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and rehabilitation outcome in hip fracture patients within normal range of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Methods.?This retrospective study was performed in a post-acute geriatric rehabilitation centre. One hundred and forty-two patients with proximal hip fracture admitted from January 2006 to June 2008 whose MMSE scores was within normal range (>23) were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to CDT performance (impaired versus intact). The differences between the two groups in relation to age, gender, education level, living arrangement, pre fracture functional level, fracture type, and outcome measurements [Functional Independent Measure (FIM), motor FIM, Rate of in-hospital Improvement (RI) in FIM and motor FIM, and Length of Stay (LOS)] were assessed.

Results.?Discharge FIM score and motor FIM scores were significantly lower for the impaired CDT group (89?±?13.7 vs. 94.9?±?11.6, p?=?0.007; 61.6?±?11.1 vs. 65.7?±?9.6, p?=?0.022 respectively); LOS was significantly longer (28.2?±?7.9 vs. 25.3?±?8.5, p?=?0.033) and rates of improvement in FIM and motor FIM were significantly slower (0.62?±?0.35 vs. 0.77?±?0.45, p?=?0.036; 0.61?±?0.34 vs. 0.75?±?0.42, p?=?0.033, respectively). Nevertheless, FIM and motor FIM scores changes were similar in both CDT groups. Following adjustment for age, LOS of patients with impaired CDT was significantly longer (p?=?.027).

Conclusions.?The CDT may assist the multidisciplinary team in identifying hip fracture patients whose MMSE scores are within the normal range, but yet need a longer training period to extract their rehabilitation potential.     

Factors affecting short-term rehabilitation outcomes of disabled elderly patients with proximal hip fracture

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with postacute rehabilitation outcome of disabled elderly patients with proximal hip fracture. SETTING: Geriatric rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-three older patients. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: FIM instrument, motor FIM score, absolute functional gain on the FIM and motor FIM scores, relative functional gain on the FIM and motor FIM scores, rate of improvement on the FIM and motor FIM scores, proportion of patients discharged to home, and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Mean FIM score improved by 14 points (22%) with a functional gain rate of .56 point per day. No significant differences (P>.05) were found between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing patients regarding the above outcome measures. Functionally independent and cognitively intact patients achieved significantly better score changes and rates of improvement and showed a higher ability to extract their rehabilitation potential than dependent and cognitively impaired patients. Their LOSs were significantly shorter. Patients with latency time (time delay from fracture to operation) of more than 5 days and patients with a history of stroke had significantly longer LOSs. Mini-Mental State Examination score, albumin levels on admission, and prefracture functional status were the most important parameters associated with FIM discharge scores (r=.756) and relative functional gain on the FIM (r=.583). Depression was the most important factor associated with LOS in patients with weight-bearing instructions on admission. The presence of a caregiver was the significant predictive value variable for returning home. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive function, nutritional status, preinjury functional level, and depression were the most important prognostic factors associated with rehabilitation success of older patients with proximal hip fracture. Of these, depression and nutritional status are correctable, and early intervention may improve rehabilitation outcome.     

Improvement in aerobic fitness during rehabilitation after hip fracture

Mendelsohn ME, Overend TJ, Connelly DM, Petrella RJ. Improvement in aerobic fitness during rehabilitation after hip fracture.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of an upper-body exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with hip fracture during inpatient rehabilitation.

Design

Randomized controlled trial using a convenience sample.

Setting

An inpatient rehabilitation unit.

Participants

Twenty older patients (age, 81.3±7.2y; 14 women).

Intervention

Patients were randomly assigned to a control group (n=10) or a training group (n=10). Both groups attended physical and occupational therapy sessions 5 times a week during rehabilitation (mean length of stay, 32.9±5.3d). Patients in the training program used an arm crank ergometer 3 times a week for 4 weeks.

Main Outcome Measure

Peak oxygen consumption (Vo₂peak).

Results

Vo₂peak increased significantly in the training group (8.9±1.4 to 10.8±1.7mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) and did not change in the control group (8.9±1.2 to 8.8±1.6mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). At discharge, both groups were significantly improved in all functional outcome measures (Timed Up & Go [TUG] test, Berg Balance Scale [BBS], FIM instrument, two-minute walk test [2MWT], and ten-minute walk test [10MWT]). The training group performed significantly better in mobility (TUG, 2MWT, 10MWT) and balance (BBS) compared with the control group. There was a significant correlation between Vo₂peak and the 2MWT (r=.81) and 10MWT (r=.85) in the training group at discharge.

Conclusions

The upper-body exercise program had a significant effect on aerobic power. Our results suggest that aerobic endurance exercise should be integrated into standard rehabilitation to enhance patients’ aerobic fitness and mobility after hip fracture surgery.     

The Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale: reliability and validity of a clinician-rated measure of participation in acute rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate interrater reliability and predictive validity of the Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale (PRPS), a clinician-rated 6-point Likert-type item measuring patient participation in inpatient rehabilitation sessions. DESIGN: Prospective measurement of patient participation in physical and occupational therapy sessions during inpatient rehabilitation. SETTING: University-based, freestanding acute rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-two inpatients, primarily elderly, with a variety of impairment diagnoses (eg, stroke), who were admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in the 13 motor items from the FIM trade mark instrument, from admission to discharge. RESULTS: The PRPS had high interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=.91 for occupational therapists; ICC=.96 for physical therapists). The subjects had mean PRPS scores +/- standard deviation of 4.73+/-0.76. Mean PRPS scores predicted rehabilitation outcome (N=242, r=.32, P<.0001), as measured by change in motor FIM. The strength of this association did not change in a multivariate model that controlled for age, gender, race, impairment group, medical comorbidity count, length of stay, and admission FIM. CONCLUSIONS: Patient participation during acute inpatient rehabilitation can be easily and reliably measured, and PRPS scores predict functional outcome. The PRPS may have applicability in clinical and research outcome measurement.     

Cognitive status at admission: does it affect the rehabilitation outcome of elderly patients with hip fracture?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of cognitive status at admission on functional gain during rehabilitation of elderly hip-fractured patients. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: A hospital geriatric rehabilitation department. PATIENTS: Two hundred twenty-four elderly patients admitted consecutively for rehabilitation after surgery for hip fracture. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive status was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and the cognitive subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (cognFIM); functional status was assessed by the motor subscale of FIM; absolute functional gain was determined by the motor FIM gain (deltamotFIM); and relative functional gain (based on the potential for improvement) by the Montebello rehabilitation factor score (MRFS). RESULTS: A significant increase in FIM scores (19.7) occurred during rehabilitation, mainly due to motor functioning (19.1). When the relative functional gain (as measured by both motor MRFS efficacy [r = .591] and efficiency [r = .376] was compared with the absolute gain (as measured by deltamotFIM [r = .304]), a stronger association between cognFIM and the relative measures was found. In addition, motor FIM efficacy and efficiency were significantly lower in the cognitively impaired patients (p<.01). A better rehabilitation outcome was seen in patients with higher admission cognitive status, adjusting for the effects of age, sex, length of stay, and type of fracture (odds ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.5-3.7). CONCLUSIONS: Impaired cognitive status at admission lowered the rehabilitation outcome of elderly hip fracture patients. Cognitive impairment was strongly and directly associated with functional gain in these patients. Absolute motor gain appeared to be independent of cognitive status, whereas the relative motor gain depended on it. These findings support the implementation of comprehensive rehabilitation for selected cognitively impaired elderly hip fracture patients.     

Influence of rehabilitation site on hip fracture recovery in community-dwelling subjects at 6-month follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether postacute rehabilitation after hip fracture influences recovery of prefracture function as detected by the FIM instrument motor scale. DESIGN: Inception cohort. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care hospital; inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). PARTICIPANTS: People with acute proximal femur fracture treated between March 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003. INTERVENTION: Post-hip fracture rehabilitation delivered at an IRF or SNF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: FIM motor score estimated prefracture and obtained at 2 weeks and 24 weeks after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were treated at an IRF, whereas 39 were treated at an SNF. Controlling for baseline covariates, a mixed model showed a significant group by time interaction (F(3,57.1)=14.27, P < .001). Contrasts indicated that IRF subjects had greater initial improvement. Multiple logistic regression examining factors associated with recovery of FIM motor score to 95% or more of prefracture FIM motor score by 24 weeks found that IRF setting only was associated with recovery of baseline function with odds ratio of 5.44 (95% confidence interval, 2.02-14.65). CONCLUSIONS: Even when controlling for important baseline covariates, community-dwelling hip fracture subjects treated in an IRF are more likely to attain 95% or more of prefracture functional status by 24 weeks postdischarge than subjects treated in an SNF.     

A descriptive study of function in acute motor stroke

The functional independence measure (FIM) instrument was introduced in 1987 and has proven to be a useful tool for measuring disability in different patient populations. The FIM instrument data collected during inpatient rehabilitation for stroke is very informative, as it is voluminous, comprehensive, and has a uniform reporting mechanism. In contrast to inpatient rehabilitation, there is a paucity of FIM instrument data on acute stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to describe functional level of 100 patients within the first 24 hours of acute care admission. The mean total FIM instrument score was 94.05 (SD +/- 19.31, range = 38-120), the mean motor domain subscore was 61 (SD +/- 17.8, range 23-85), and cognitive was 33.4 (SD +/- 3.3, range 15-35). Significant group differences were identified for age, gender, and disposition for total and/or domain subscores. Significant differences in age, gender, employment, and disposition were found for clinical subscales. This study fills a gap in current knowledge, that of baseline total FIM instrument scores, domain subscores, and six clinical subscales on one particular group of stroke patients, those with a primary motor stroke.     

The impact of previous strokes on the rehabilitation of elderly patients sustaining a hip fracture

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a previous stroke may affect the functional outcome gain of elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation for a hip fracture. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The division of geriatric medicine with rehabilitation wards at a university-affiliated referral hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with hip fractures (N=460) undergoing a standard rehabilitation course. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The functional outcome of previous stroke- and nonprevious stroke (NPS)-affected patients assessed by the FIM instrument at admission and discharge from the rehabilitation facility. Data were analyzed by t tests, Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Both admission and discharge total FIM scores were significantly higher in NPS compared with previous stroke patients (63.53+/-19.89 vs 52.19+/-19.37, P<.001) and (84.23+/-24.93 vs 71.37+/-25.03, P=.001), respectively. However, changes in total FIM (20.70+/-11.68 vs 19.17+/-13.32, P=.38) and in motor FIM (19.84+/-10.63 vs 17.96+/-11.21, P=.23) at discharge were not statistically significant between the 2 groups. A linear regression analysis showed that a previous stroke was not predictive of a worse total FIM gain at discharge (P=.58). CONCLUSIONS: NPS hip fracture elderly patients show higher admission and discharge FIM scores compared with previous stroke patients. Nevertheless, both groups achieve similar FIM gains during rehabilitation period. A previous stroke should not be considered as adversely affecting the rehabilitation of such patients.