Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

The number of stroke survivors in Canada, and globally, is increasing annually. Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability, impacting physical strength, mobility, and social participation. The ability to walk is key to an individual's long-term outcome after having a stroke, determining whether they will return home or if they need further care. However, not all stroke survivors recover at the same pace, or recover the ability to walk altogether. It would be useful to know as early as possible which individuals with stroke will be walking soon after their stroke, and which will not, so that appropriate resources and long-term planning can be established early to optimize each individual's recovery path. Stroke severity is measured upon admission to hospital and again the next day. Because of medical treatment or worsening of the stroke, the stroke severity on the next day does not always reflect the initial stroke symptoms. It would be helpful to know if initial stroke severity or next-day stroke severity is a better indicator for early walking recovery. This study reviewed 513 consecutive stroke admissions at an acute medical hospital and tracked which individuals with stroke were able to walk within the first week of their stroke. Using predictive mathematical models, it was determined that next-day stroke severity more accurately predicts outcome. Specifically, the presence of leg weakness, incoordination, or sensory loss as a result of the stroke, negatively impacts early walking recovery. This information may aid rehabilitation specialists triage their time and focus accordingly in the acute period after stroke.