Rehabilitation after stroke: predictive power of Barthel Index versus a cognitive and a motor index.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive power of ratings of Barthel Index at Day 40 post stroke, compared with and/or combined with simultaneous ratings from a mobility scale (EG motor index) and a rather simple cognitive test scale (CT50). The parameter to be individually predicted was the need for special living facilities and support at discharge from a rehabilitation hospital, as well as six months later; 53 stroke patients with age median 68 years were included in this prospective study. It was shown that a combination of Barthel Index and CT50 had a stronger predictive power than Barthel Index alone. A combination of EG motor index and CT50 had at least the same predictive power as the combination of Barthel Index and CT50. The usefulness of a simple diagram for individual prognostication was demonstrated.