Age-Related Rehabilitation Outcome in Stroke Patients
Nuttaset Manimmanakorn MD, MSc*, Preeda Arrayawichanon MD*, Pattra Wattanapun MD*, Chompilai Nuntharuksa RN**, Vilai Kuptniratsaikul MD, MSc***
Affiliation : * Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen ** Rehabilitation ward, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen *** Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Background : Patients who survive a stroke usually have residual neurological deficits. Consequently, a
rehabilitation program is valuable for improving their quality of life (QOL). However, age is a known factor
that needs qualification vis-à-vis rehabilitation outcomes among Thai patients.
Objective : To study the functional and psychological outcomes and the QOL before and after rehabilitation
program among three age groups of Thai stroke patients (< 44, 45-64 and > 65 years of age).
Study design: Prospective, analytical study.
Material and Method: Three hundred and twenty seven stroke patients were measured using the Barthel
index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) and the WHO QOL BREF questionnaire before and
after undergoing an in-patient rehabilitation program. Data were collected from nine sites around Thailand.
Results : Functional and psychological outcomes and the quality of life score improved after the rehabilitation
program. The youngest group of stroke victims showed the greatest improvement in functional outcome and
QOL score in both the physical and social domains. No significant difference was found regarding anxiety and
depression among the three groups.
Conclusion : An in-patient rehabilitation program was of benefit to Thai stroke patients but age significantly
determined rehabilitation outcomes.
Keywords : Age, Functional outcome, Psychological condition, Quality of life, Rehabilitation program, Stroke, Thailand
