A pilot study of the trajectory of functional outcomes in stroke survivors: implications for home healthcare

This longitudinal, prospective pilot study (N = 23) explored patterns of functional recovery using the functional independence measure (FIM) at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months poststroke. Results showed that the subcategory of self-care had the most observable improvement, whereas communication had the least improvement. Study results have implications for clinicians, as they are instrumental in assessment, and in determination of treatments and level of care required to promote optimal rehabilitation and recovery of function across all dimensions.