A systematic review of studies reporting multivariable models to predict functional outcomes after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation

Purpose: This systematic review summarizes the utility of variables available at acute discharge after stroke for predicting functional independence at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods: A systematic review of four electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) was conducted to identify studies reporting multivariable models predicting post-rehabilitation Barthel Index (BI) or Functional Independence Measure (FIM®) scores. In studies meeting inclusion criteria, the frequency with which candidate predictors were found statistically significant was calculated and summarized.

Results: A total of 3260 articles were screened, of which 27 were included and 63 multivariable models of discharge BI or FIM® were reported. In all, 126 candidate predictors of BI or FIM® were explored. Variables found to be significant most frequently included admission functional level (BI or FIM®), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), dysphasia, impulsivity, neglect, previous stroke, and age.

Conclusions: Only a selected group of variables have repeatedly proven to be significant predictors of functional ability after post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation. [Box: see text].