The Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery in Acute Stroke

Abstract

Eighty-six elderly subjects completed the Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery (RPAB) within 14 days of stroke. The RPAB was scored with either a criterion score (number of subtests above cut-off) or total score, calculated by weighting all 16 subtest scores. Three shortened versions of the RPAB were also assessed. The RPAB results were compared with those of line bisection, line cancellation and drawing tests. Perceptual impairment as defined by the RPAB was equally common in dominant and non-dominant hemisphere stroke. RPAB criterion and total scores were correlated with line cancellation, line bisection, limb power and cognitive score. Both RPAB scores were significant univariate predictors of functional outcome and discharge residence. In multivariate models, Barthel ADL score at day 7 and RPAB criterion score were significant predictors of functional outcome; Barthel ADL score at day 7 was the only significant predictor of discharge residence for subjects previously living at home. Total RPAB score was no more useful than criterion score. The shortened RPAB version A predicted outcome as successfully as the full RPAB. The shortened RPAB version A as a screening test of perception following acute stroke is recommended.