SEE PROFILE

Purpose: Stroke is the most disabling chronic condition,newly aŒecting 35000 persons in Canada each year. Because of declining fatality, a growing number of persons will have to cope with stroke-relateddisability.The purpose of this paper is to describe the disabilities experienced by persons with stroke during the ® rst year and explore the evolution of impairment, disability, handicap and health-related quality of life. Subjects: The data for this paper come from a series of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, collectively known as the McGill Stroke RehabilitationResearch Program. Results: Within the ® rst week post-stroke, getting out of bed and walking over a short distance, even with assistance, was a strong predictor of discharge home. Most of the improvement in measures of impairment and disability occurred during th