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Predictors of mobility after stroke: a systematic review

Craig, Louise  Wu, Olivia; Bernhardt, Julie; Langhorne, Peter Abstract Regaining post stroke mobility is considered a primary goal of the stroke patient in early rehabilitation. The ability to predict the recovery of post stroke mobility is of great clinical importance, providing information to healthcare professionals, patients and their families. We conducted a systematic review aimed at identifying the baseline factors, assessed within one week of stroke onset that are predictive of, or associated with, the recovery of mobility within 30 days post stroke. A comprehensive search strategy was applied to all major electronic databases to identify potentially relevant studies. Included in the review were two studies that evaluated the predictive value of baseline factors by developing a prognostic model, and three studies that assessed baseline factors that were associated with the outcome by univariate analysis. Walking was the most commonly assessed mobility outcome; age, the severity of paresis, reduced leg power, presence of hemianopia, size of brain lesion and type of stroke were shown to be predictive or associated with walking within 30 days post stroke.  This review has identified potential predictors of the recovery of mobility post stroke. There is a need to explore and validate these predictors in other patient cohorts and consider additional factors believed to be associated with mobility. The recovery of mobility other than walking also needs investigation. In order to move prognostic research in stroke forward a collaborative approach in the collecting and sharing of data is recommended