06 to 0.13, calculated from data in original reports), although external validation of their see more models is difficult

in Australian cohorts as assessment tools such as the Trunk Control Test, Motricity Index and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (used in their prognostic models) are not commonly used in Australian stroke units (National Stroke Foundation 2010). The research questions for this study were: 1. What is the incidence of recovery of independent ambulation and upper limb function in a representative acute stroke cohort six months after stroke? This was a secondary analysis of data that were prospectively collected for a cohort study investigating the incidence and prediction of contractures after stroke (Kwah et al 2012). Consecutive patients admitted between January 2009 and January 2010 to the accident and emergency department of St George Hospital with a diagnosis of stroke or transient selleck screening library ischaemic attack were screened. St George Hospital is a large teaching public hospital in Sydney, Australia, that admits more than 500 patients a year with stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Patients were eligible to participate in the study if they were over 18 years old, had a medically documented stroke, were able to respond to basic commands, and

understood English. Patients who received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator were included if they had remaining neurological symptoms 24 hours after receiving treatment. Patients with subarachnoid haemorrhages were included only if they satisfied the World Health Organization definition of stroke (WHO 1988). Baseline measurements of outcomes and predictors were obtained within the first four weeks after stroke. At six months patients were followed up at their discharge destinations to measure ambulation and upper limb function outcomes. The outcomes of interest were independent ambulation, ability to move a cup across the table, and ability to feed oneself with a spoonful of liquid with the hemiplegic arm. These were measured with Item 5 (walking), Item 7 (hand movements), and Item 8 (advanced hand activities)

of the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), respectively (Carr et al 1985). Each item on the Motor Assessment Scale is scored on a scale from 1 to 6. For the purposes TCL of prediction we dichotomised each item. Patients who scored ≥ 3/6 on Item 5 were deemed able to walk independently. Patients who scored ≥ 5/6 on Item 7 were deemed able to pick up a cup and move it across the table, and patients who scored ≥ 5/6 on Item 8 were deemed able to feed themselves with a spoonful of liquid. Five candidate variables were used to predict ambulation: age, severity of stroke, standing up ability, premorbid function, and spasticity. Three candidate variables were used to predict upper limb function: age, severity of stroke, and combined motor function of the upper arm and hand.