Differences in Rehabilitation Needs after Stroke: A Similarity Analysis on the ICF Core Set for Stroke

Abstract

Background: Successful rehabilitation is associated with physical, psychological, environmental, social, and personal factors based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. The influence of age has been suggested as crucial personal factors that may affect rehabilitation needs in post-stroke survivors. The aim of this study was to investigate the qualifiers of the ICF core set for stroke to detect differences in rehabilitation needs and goals between older (O, >65 years old) and younger (Y, ≤65 years old,) post-stroke individuals. Materials and methods: In this observational study, the comprehensive core set for stroke was filled during the rehabilitation period. Patient information was obtained using disability scales and translated into certain ICF categories using linking rules. Frequency, similarity, and linear regression analyses were performed for ICF qualifier profiles among Y and O patients. Results: Forty-eight ICF variables were significantly different between Y (n = 35, 46.17 ± 11.27 years old) and O (n = 35, 76.43 ± 6.77 years old) patients. Frequency analysis showed that activity of daily living and basic needs were more prevalent in O patients, whereas regaining of social role and social life were more prevalent in Y patients. The average Jaccard Index result (similarity analysis) was more homogeneous in O than in Y patients. Conclusions: ICF qualifiers are useful to design patient-centered care. Y patients have more heterogeneous needs and require more personalized program than O patients.

Combined Motor and Cognitive Rehabilitation: The Impact on Motor Performance in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…If ADL are extremely important for maintaining independence, the perception of quality of life (health-related QoL) is another element affected by good motor and cognitive performance. The difficulty of analyzing health-related QoL arises from the fact that it is a very subjective outcome and requires a global evaluation tool of functioning, such as the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), which is a highly versatile and adaptable assessment tool for every need [46]. Reflecting on the already mentioned issue of personalized versus standardized treatments, we can think about developing rehabilitation protocols for patients with MCI based on ICF qualifiers, which are useful for designing patient-centered care [46], especially when patients have more heterogeneous needs and require more personalized programs.…”

“…The difficulty of analyzing health-related QoL arises from the fact that it is a very subjective outcome and requires a global evaluation tool of functioning, such as the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), which is a highly versatile and adaptable assessment tool for every need [46]. Reflecting on the already mentioned issue of personalized versus standardized treatments, we can think about developing rehabilitation protocols for patients with MCI based on ICF qualifiers, which are useful for designing patient-centered care [46], especially when patients have more heterogeneous needs and require more personalized programs. Thus, it is desirable that future RCTs make use of personalized protocols based on universally applicable ICF-guided assessment tools and are directed to the subjects affected by MCI [47].…”

Longitudinal Impact of Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs on Functional Recovery After Stroke: A Scoping Review

“…In the rehabilitation intervention of stroke patients, all of the patient-centered factors, such as physical function and structure, activity and participation, and environment presented by the ICF, have a dynamic interaction with each other, so they should be applied as essential factors for rehabilitation intervention. 21,22…”

The Effect of Walking Backward on a Treadmill on Balance, Speed of Walking and Cardiopulmonary Fitness for Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study

“…Chronic stroke occurred mostly in middle-aged and elderly people and limits movement [ 4 ], which also created problems for families [ 5 ]. Therefore, the care of stroke patients must be a patient-centered and individualized rehabilitation plan [ 6 ].…”