Evaluation of post-stroke functionality based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: a proposal for use of assessment tools

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories addressed by the assessment tools commonly used in post-stroke rehabilitation and characterize patients based on its evaluation model. [Subjects and Methods] An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 35 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Handgrip strength was assessed to evaluate body functions and structures. The 10-meter gait speed test and Timed Up and Go test were administered to evaluate activity. The Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale was used to evaluate participation. Moreover, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that have associated these assessment tools with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories. [Results] The tools employed in this study for evaluating function addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories: 24 related to body functions and structures; 36 related to activity and participation; and 3 related to environmental factors. [Conclusion] The assessment tools employed in this study addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories and allowed a more complete evaluation of stroke survivors with hemiparesis. Use of this classification can therefore be more easily incorporated into clinical practice.

Quality of life after stroke: impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors

“…Consistent with other studies, men were predominant among patients with IS 2,17. The patients' median age was 65 years of age or older, indicating that individuals of an economically active age are affected by stroke 18.…”

Stroke rehabilitation

“…As indicated by the ICF model developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2001, stroke rehabilitation can be described as a health procedure that “aims to facilitate people with health state experiencing or likely to experience disability to attain optimal functioning in interaction with the environment” 5. Generally, it is an umbrella for several services to help patients with stroke in improving their physical, psychosocial, and vocational potential, with consideration of the physiologic and environmental limitations.…”

“…In 2001, the WHO developed a framework for measuring health and disability at both the individual and population levels, called the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, known more commonly as ICF ( Figure 2 ) 5. The ICF is a brief, important, and accurate instrument that can be used in stroke rehabilitation to provide a multi-dimensional approach to describing stroke patients functioning and disability, and to help to organize this information 44.…”

180° turn while walking: characterization and comparisons between subjects with and without stroke

“…Considering the typical features of hemiparesis1, 2, 7,8,9 ) , it was expected to find differences in the evaluated turning parameters between the directions towards which the subjects with stroke turned (i.e., paretic and non-paretic). However, as was observed in healthy subjects, no differences were found for any investigated parameter regarding the directions towards which the subjects turned, as also previously reported23, 25 ) .…”

“…Motor impairments, such as hemiparesis, are very common after stroke and are associated with reduced mobility1,2,3 ) . A primary goal of rehabilitation interventions for subjects with stroke is regaining mobility1, 5 ) , which is an important component of functioning and health1, 4,5,6 ) .…”