Association Between Rehabilitation and Functional Outcomes of Stroke Survivors: A Population-Based Study

Background: There is little known about the provision of rehabilitation in the community settings for stroke survivors. Purpose: To investigate the association between rehabilitation and functional outcomes of stroke-survivors. Method: Data for this analysis was derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The effect of physiotherapy (PT) and other allied health (AH) utilization on rate of assistance in activity of daily living (ADL) and injury due to fall (Inj-fall) was assessed in stroke survivors. Results: Overall, 3,773 (1.1%) patients with stroke (47% females, 71.1% >60 years) were included. Stroke survivors in 2013-14 had less PT and AH utilizations compared to 2015-16, consequently, the rate of assistance with ADL and Inj-Fall were significantly greater in 2013-14. PT or AH utilization were associated with less assistance in ADL and lower Inj-Fall. Conclusion: Results of this study reinforce the beneficial effect of rehabilitation on ADL and injury in stroke survivors.