A Comparative Analysis of Functional Status and Mobility in Stroke Patients with and without Aphasia

Abstract

All researchers agree that aphasia is a serious consequence of a stroke, but they also report contradictory data regarding the functional outcome. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the functional outcomes of stroke patients with and without aphasia, who were undertaking a regular rehabilitation programme. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 116 post-stroke patients, including 54 patients without aphasia (G1) and 62 patients with aphasia (G2). The following tests were used before (T1) and after (T2) rehabilitation measurement points: Barthel Index (BI), Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), Test Up & Go (TUG) and the Timed Walk Test (TWT). Results: The group of post-stroke patients with aphasia had a significantly longer time since a stroke on admission, a significantly longer length of stay in the ward and significantly worse SAS and TCT scores at T2, compared to patients without aphasia. Both groups achieved significant improvement in all studied parameters (SAS, TCT, BI, BBS, TUG and TWT). Aphasia was a predictor of functional status in the stroke patients group, but only at the time of admission to the ward. Conclusions: Patients with and without aphasia have an equal likelihood of improving their functional status and returning to independence. Aphasia should not be an absolute factor that excludes stroke patients from research studies on their functional status.

Domain-specific Cognitive Impairments, Mood and Quality of Life 6 Months After Stroke

“…54 However, conflicting evidence surrounds whether adults with post-stroke aphasia experience worse quality of life compared to non-aphasic stroke counterparts. [54][55][56] Evidence suggests follow-up time and adaptation strategies are important factors in determining functional outcome as those with aphasia for more than 6 months tend to report improved quality of life than recently aphasic individuals. 55 Interestingly, the temporal relationship between specific deficits and quality of life does not seem to apply to memory impairment post-stroke, suggesting the critical role of memory in determining quality of life prognosis.…”

Evaluation of the functional outcome and mobility of patients after stroke depending on their cognitive state

“…improvement of the patient's functional status is an integral part of the recovery process and regaining independence of patients after a stroke. Unfortunately, many factors hinder this process 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 . One of them may be cognitive disorders 25 – 28 .…”

Evaluation of the functional state and mobility of patients after stroke depending on their cognitive state

“…The studies conducted so far mainly concern patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. In many research projects (including stroke patients), the presence of CI or dementia is the criteria for excluding patients from participation in research 3,8,12,13,14 . Therefore, there are few reports on poststroke patients with moderate-to-severe dementia.…”