Dual motor disability in an outpatient rehabilitation center: hemiparesis after stroke and lower limb amputation patients - Who are they?

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of dual motor disability and to identify social, demographic, clinical and rehabilitation-related characteristics. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study in an outpatient rehabilitation center with individuals with dual motor disability from major lower limb amputation associated to post-stroke hemiparesis. Social demographic, clinical and rehabilitation characteristics data were collected from medical record. Results: The prevalence of dual motor disability was 5.4%. Seventy-six subjects were evaluated, 69.7% were male, with a mean age of 65.6 ± 9.3 years. Hypertension was present in 96.1% of subjects, and 25% were smokers. Over 73% of patients had had the stroke prior to amputation. Time elapsed between lesions had a median of 23 months, and sequelae were ipsilateral in 51.3% of patients. Of these, 54 patients (71%) were referred to physical therapy. The time interval between dual disability and the beginning of therapy was 28 months, with total rehabilitation time of 14.3 months. At rehabilitation completion, 36% achieved their goals but 30% were discharges consequent to lack of compliance. Conclusion: The prevalence of dual motor disability due to hemiparesis secondary to stroke and lower limb amputation in a rehabilitation center was 5.4%. Our population showed singular characteristics related to the rehabilitation process, such as a long time between the occurrence of dual disability and the beginning of rehabilitation, and long rehabilitation period.