Volume 17, Issue 1 pp. 136-142

Dose–response relationship between physiotherapy resource provision with function and balance improvements in patients following stroke: a multi-centre observational study

Terry P. Haines B.Physiotherapy (Hons) G.Cert. Health Economics PhD

Corresponding Author

Terry P. Haines B.Physiotherapy (Hons) G.Cert. Health Economics PhD

Director, Allied Health Clinical Research Unit, Southern Health, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia and Director Clinical Research, Southern Physiotherapy School, Monash University Physiotherapy Department, Frankston, Victoria, Australia

Dr Terry P. Haines
Allied Health Clinical Research Unit
Kingston Centre, Kingston Rd
Cheltenham, Vic. 3192
Australia
E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
Suzanne Kuys B.Physiotherapy PhD

Suzanne Kuys B.Physiotherapy PhD

Research Fellow, The University of Queensland & Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia

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Jane Clarke B.Physiotherapy M.Physiotherapy

Jane Clarke B.Physiotherapy M.Physiotherapy

Senior Physiotherapist, St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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Greg Morrison B.Physiotherapy

Greg Morrison B.Physiotherapy

Senior Physiotherapist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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Paul Bew B.Physiotherapy PhD Candidate

Paul Bew B.Physiotherapy PhD Candidate

Senior Physiotherapist, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia

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First published: 02 September 2010
Citations: 8

This research was carried out across multiple hospitals in Queensland and Victoria, Australia.

Abstract

Rationale, aims and objectives Inpatient rehabilitation of patients following stroke can be resource intensive, with optimal models of service delivery unclear. This study investigates the dose–response curves between physiotherapy service delivery variables and balance and function clinical outcomes.

Method This was a multi-centre (15 sites), prospective, cohort study involving patients (n = 288) admitted for rehabilitation following stroke conducted across two states in Australia. Physiotherapy department resource provision variables were collected and examined for association with change in patient function and balance outcomes (Functional Independence Measure, step test, functional reach test) measured at admission and discharge from inpatient care.

Results A greater amount of log-transformed physiotherapy department resource provision was associated with greater improvement in the functional independence measure [Regression coefficient (95% CI): 4.05 (1.15, 6.95)] and functional reach test [46.43 (17.03, 75.84)], while physiotherapist time provided to patients was associated with greater improvement for the step test [0.15 (0.03, 0.28)], and functional reach [0.35 (0.19, 0.52)].

Conclusion Receiving a higher rate of physiotherapist input is an important factor in attaining a greater amount of recovery in function and balance outcomes; however, the improvement by patients who received the greatest amount of input was highly variable.

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