Does Race Influence Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acute Stroke Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation?

Abstract

Race has been shown to affect stroke-related morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of race on rehabilitation functional outcomes in patients with an acute stroke admitted to a designated stroke rehabilitation unit. A 2-yr prospective study was conducted of 670 patients admitted to an acute stroke rehabilitation unit within 30 days after an acute stroke. Demographic data along with admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure scores were recorded in a computerized stroke database. Patients participated in a standardized rehabilitation program 5 days a week for a length of stay dependent upon their individual needs. The distribution of patients by race was 504 whites, 115 blacks, 38 Hispanics, and 13 Asians. The mean age of the study population was 70 yrs. Whites had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, and blacks, Hispanics, and Asians had a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The primary and secondary functional rehabilitation outcomes were similar for all four groups after similar intensity of therapy (3.5 hrs daily). This study suggests that race does not influence rehabilitation functional outcomes in patients with acute stroke undergoing rehabilitation for the same intensity of therapy if admitted soon after their acute stroke.