Functioning of stroke survivors – A validation of the ICF core set for stroke in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose. To validate the body functions and activities and participation part of the extended International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) core set for stroke with a Swedish population in the first 3 months post-stroke.

Method. At 6 weeks and at 3 months post-stroke, stroke survivors were evaluated by 59 ICF categories of body functions, 59 categories of activities and participation from the stroke ICF core set (extended version).

Results. The study sample included 99 stroke survivors (54% women) with an average age of 72 years. Statistical significant problems were identified in 28 ICF categories of body functions and in 41 ICF categories of activities and participation at both time points, at 6 weeks and at 3 months. About 17 ICF categories were reported as problems in independent (i.e. modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2) and about 34 categories in dependent (i.e. mRS > 2) stroke survivors.

Conclusions. The results suggest a possible reduction of the stroke ICF core set from 59 to 28 categories of body functions and from 59 to 41 categories of activities and participation. Hence, feasibility of the core set for multiprofessional assessment increases and the core set might find more integration in clinical practice. The number of problems in mobility and self-care mainly distinguished between independent and dependent stroke survivors.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• functioning
• ICF
• activities and participation
• body functions

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the Swedish Research Council (VR K2002-27-VX-14318-01A), the Wilhelm and Martina Lundgren Foundation, the Swedish Association of Persons with Neurological Disabilities (NHR), the Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation, the Foundation of the Swedish Stroke Association, the John and Brit Wennerström Foundation of Neurological Research, Västra Götalands Handicap Committee, the Hjalmar Svensson Foundation, the AFA, Praktikertjänst AB and the Greta and Einar Asker Foundation.