Stroke rehabilitation at home before and after discharge reduced disability and improved quality of life: a randomised controlled trial

Rune Skovgaard Rasmussen, Ann Østergaard, Pia Kjær, Anja Skerris, Christina T. Skou, Jane Christoffersen, Line Skou Seest, Mai Bang Poulsen, Finn Rønholt, Karsten Overgaard

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate if home-based rehabilitation of inpatients improved outcome compared to standard care. Design: Interventional, randomised, safety/efficacy open-label trial. Setting: University hospital stroke unit in collaboration with three municipalities. Subjects: Seventy-one eligible stroke patients (41 women) with focal neurological deficits hospitalised in a stroke unit for more than three days and in need of rehabilitation. Interventions: Thirty-eight patients were randomised to home-based rehabilitation during hospitalization and for up to four weeks after discharge to replace part of usual treatment and rehabilitation services. Thirty-three control patients received treatment and rehabilitation following usual guidelines for the treatment of stroke patients. Main measures: Ninety days post-stroke the modified Rankin Scale score was the primary endpoint. Other outcome measures were the modified Barthel-100 Index, Motor Assessment Scale, CT-50 Cognitive Test, EuroQol-5D™, Body Mass Index and treatment-associated economy. Results: Thirty-one intervention and 30 control patients completed the study. Patients in the intervention group achieved better modified Rankin Scale score (Intervention median = 2, IQR = 2-3; Control median = 3, IQR = 2-4; P=0.04). EuroQol-5D™ quality of life median scores were improved in intervention patients (Intervention median = 0.77, IQR = 0.66-0.79; Control median = 0.66, IQR = 0.56 - 0.72; P=0.03). The total amount of home-based training in minutes highly correlated with MRS, Barthel, Motor Assessment Scale and EuroQol-5D™ scores (P-values ranging from P<0.00001 to P=0.01). Economical estimations of intervention costs were lower than total costs of standard treatment. Conclusion: Early home-based rehabilitation reduced disability and increased quality of life. Compared to standard care, home-based stroke rehabilitation was more cost-effective.

Original languageEnglish
JournalClinical Rehabilitation
Volume30
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)225-236
Number of pages12
ISSN0269-2155
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2016
Externally publishedYes

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