The effect of emotional distress on functional outcomes in acute stroke patients

Objective: To investigate the effect of emotional distress on functional outcomes in acute stroke patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 91 patients (51 females and 40 males) who were followed up with a diagnosis of acute stroke in the Neurology Department of Suleyman Demirel University Training and Research Hospital. The treatment programs of patients progressed in accordance with the functional level. Demographic data of age, gender, and educational level of the patients were recorded. The outcomes were evaluated with application of the patient distress scale (PDS), the functional independence measure (FIM), and the physiotherapy functional mobility profile (PFMP) before starting the rehabilitation program and on discharge from the clinic. The Montebello Rehabilitation Factor Score (MRFS) was used to evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes. Results: Mean age of the cases was 68.08 +/- 12.66 years. The difference points were calculated for the total scores of the result measurements as Delta PDS 3.72 +/- 7.18, Delta FIM 8.74 +/- 15.15, and Delta PFMP 4.96 +/- 8.82. The MRFS effect points were determined as 0.19 +/- 0.31, and the MRFS performance points as 0.03 +/- 0.07. A statistically significant negative correlation was determined between Delta FIM, Delta PFMP, MRFS effect points, MRFS performance points, and Delta PDS points (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that acute stroke patients with a good emotional state had better functional outcomes. It can be concluded that evaluating the emotional state and existing problems while planning of rehabilitation programs will make a positive contribution to both the functional and emotional states of acute stroke patients.