Functional recovery and blood pressure on acute post-stroke setting

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of blood pressure (BP) on functional recovery and length of stay (LOS) in post-stroke patients in an acute rehabilitation facility (ARF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 116 ischemic stroke patients (60 males, 56 females; mean age 70.0±12.8 years; range, 37 to 93 years) who were admitted to the ARF between January 2012 and September 2012 were included. Daily BP measurements with mean systolic and diastolic BP values and Functional Independent Measure (FIM) scores at the time of admission and discharge were measured. The LOS and systolic and diastolic BP ranges were also recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between the BP and FIM scores. The mean diastolic BP was positively correlated with admission (rs=0.316, p=0.01) and discharge (rs=0.287, p=0.002), FIM scores, and FIM effectiveness (rs=0.185, p=0.047) and negatively correlated with age (r=-0.449, p