Predictors of functional disability at three months after stroke: Results from the RANKIN longitudinal study

Background: Previous studies have identified early predictors of post-stroke recovery, but the generaliz- ability of findings remains limited due to methodological heterogeneity, diverse assessment time points, and variability in statistical approaches. In the Italian context, data on predictors of functional disability following stroke are still scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess functional outcomes at three months post-stroke and to identify demographic and clinical predictors of disability in an Italian cohort of stroke survivors. Methods: A single-center, longitudinal study was conducted. Stroke severity was assessed using the Na- tional Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and disability was measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Demographic and clinical data were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire within 24 h of stroke onset and at the three-month follow-up. Partial proportional odds regression was used to explore associations between mRS scores and potential predictors. Results: The study included 261 patients. In multivariate analysis, older age, higher NIHSS scores, and the presence of urinary incontinence were significantly associated with greater disability at three months. Conclusions: This study highlights key predictors of post-stroke disability in an Italian population. Identify- ing such factors early may support clinicians in guiding rehabilitation planning and optimizing functional recovery.