Long-term follow-up of post-acute traumatic brain injury rehabilitation: a statistical analysis to test for stability and predictability of outcome

Brain Inj. 1997 Sep;11(9):677-90. doi: 10.1080/026990597123223.

Abstract

A high percentage of the estimated 500,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the US every year occur with young people who will face many years of neurobehavioral and economic consequences. This study examined the long-term stability of outcome after post-acute TBI rehabilitation and possible predictors of long-term outcome based on a 127-item survey of 332 clients up to 14 years post-discharge. Correlational, factor, and multiple regression analysis indicated positive long-term outcome stability following rehabilitation with the exception of vocational status, which decreased over the same time period. A number of possible explanations for this occupational anomaly are suggested. Rating scale scores and latency-to-rehabilitation proved to be better predictors of long-term outcome than demographic data.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Brain Injuries / economics
  • Brain Injuries / epidemiology
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data
  • Epidemiologic Factors
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Forecasting
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Persons with Disabilities / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States / epidemiology