Functional Outcome in Poststroke Patients With or Without Fatigue

Objectives: Although fatigue after stroke is common, little is known about the effect of fatigue on functional outcomes in stroke patients. We, therefore, evaluated the influence of fatigue on functional outcomes after stroke. Design: Forty consecutive outpatients were evaluated 32.7 +/- 27.4 mos after the onset of stroke. Poststroke fatigue was scored using the Fatigue Severity Scale, activity of daily living function was assessed using the Modified Barthel Index, motor function was assessed using the Motricity Index, and cognitive function was evaluated using the Korean-Mini Mental State Examination. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depression, and patients were interviewed about sleeping problems. Results: The average Fatigue Severity Scale score was 3.6 +/- 1.5 in stroke patients, with 12 patients (30.0%) having Fatigue Severity Scale scores >= 4 points. Twenty-two patients (55.0%) had depression, and 12 (30%) had sleeping problems. Fatigue Severity Scale score was significantly correlated with Beck Depression Inventory and sleep disturbance (P < 0.05) but was not significantly correlated with Modified Barthel Index, Motricity Index or Korean-Mini Mental State Examination. Conclusions: We found that 30% of stroke victims had poststroke fatigue. Poststroke fatigue was not closely associated with motor function, activity of daily living, or cognitive function, but showed significant correlation with depression and sleeping problems. These findings emphasize the need for careful clinical screening of both fatigue and depression in individuals after stroke.