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Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term mortality, daily living activities, social activity, and symptoms of depression, in post-stroke patients discharged to their homes from a convalescent rehabilitation ward, and to determine the relationship between demographic variables and long-term outcome. Methods: This study included 252 consecutive stroke patients (140 men; mean age, 72.4 +/- 10.8years) who had been admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward for inpatient rehabilitation. Follow-up assessment was made by postal questionnaire for up to >1year after discharge, and included the modified Rankin scale, Frenchay activities index (FAI), and Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Of the 192 respondents (76.2%), 160 (83.3%) were living at home. Eighty-three (51.8%) were independent. Cumulative post-stroke mortality at 1 and 3years was 3.7% and 19.4%, respectively.Mean total FAI score was 26.5 +/- 10.9, suggesting that social inactivity was common. The estimated prevalence of depression was 21.6%. Coronary artery disease and motor functional independence measures were significantly associated with mortality, whereas age, recurrent stroke, severity of paralysis, and motor functional independence measures were significant predictors of independence. In the cross-sectional logistic model, depression symptoms were inversely associated with FAI score. Conclusions: The mortality rate of patients discharged to their home following inpatient rehabilitation is relatively low. Social inactivity and depression symptoms, however, remain common during the chronic phase, and the severity of depression and restriction of participation were interrelated., Article, PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES. 67(6):434-440 (2013)

Aims: This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for functional recovery and home discharge in stroke patients receiving in-hospital rehabilitation. Methods: This study included a consecutive series of 174 stroke patients (average age 73.0 +/- 10.8) admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward at Azumino Red Cross Hospital in Japan after acute rehabilitation. The main outcome measures were functional recovery (functional independence measure [FIM] at discharge and Montebello rehabilitation factor score [MRFS]) and home discharge. Results: Total FIM improved from 72.6 +/- 27.6 to 87.7 +/- 29.9 during the hospital stay (P < 0.001). The average MRFS was 0.30 +/- 0.28. Of the 174 patients, 151 were discharged home (87%). Age, stroke type, premorbid independence, motor FIM, and cognitive FIM at admission showed a significant association with FIM at discharge, while age, premorbid independence, motor FIM at admission, and cognitive FIM at admission were statistically significant predictors of MRFS. Female sex, not living with family, premorbid independence, and neglect were negatively associated with home discharge. Conclusions: Premorbid disability and cognitive dysfunction at admission were both negatively associated with functional recovery and home discharge in patients undergoing inpatient stroke rehabilitation., Article, GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL. 12(2):215-222 (2012)