Fatigue and its Correlation with Functional Outcome in Patients with Stroke

Fatigue is a common complaint in neurological diseases. Yet, few studies have been done to asses fatigue in patients post stroke particularly during the acute stages of recovery. Also, whether the fatigue affects the functional outcome during the acute stages of recovery is not known. The purpose of the study was to know the prevalence of fatigue and it's correlation with the functional outcome during the acute stage of recovery in patients with stroke.

A random sample of 30 patients (mean age=49.76, standard deviation=10.40) with stroke was taken. The subjects were either ‘in’ or ‘out’ patients at the” All India Institute of Medical Sciences “and “G.B. Pant Hospital”, New Delhi, India. After a detailed neurological assessment and confirming the diagnosis by CT/MRI only those patients with MMSE>27 were taken.

A correlation analysis was done and pearson's correlation ‘r’ value was calculated. Also, association between the variables was seen using chi-square tests. A principle component factor analysis method using ‘Varimax’ method was done for the items (1–10) on the BNI scale. BNI overall index was found to significantly correlate with BNI total score, functional outcome measures (i.e Barthel's index and MAS). No correlation was found between BNI total score and the functional outcome measures. However, a strong association was found between both BNI scale categories and Barthel's categories. Factor analysis revealed two-factor solution. The internal consistency of the BNI scale was found to be high.

Post stroke fatigue is multidimensional and might affect the functional outcome as is shown by its strong association with the latter, during the acute stages of recovery.