Sex Differences in Rehabilitation Outcomes After Stroke: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study

Background/Objectives: The findings of studies that assess post-stroke rehabilitation outcomes according to sex remain inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the rehabilitation outcomes among patients after a first stroke according to sex and identify the factors related to functional status and independence in performing basic activities of daily living at discharge. Methods: The data from 527 patients, aged 69.1 ± 11.8 years, comprising 244 women and 283 men, were analyzed. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index (BI), Trunk Control Test (TCT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used at two measurement points: upon admission to the ward (T1) and at discharge (T2). Results: No significant differences between women and men at T1 were found. At T2, statistically significant differences in the length of stay in the ward, MMSE, BBS, TCT, TUG, and BI were observed, but the reported effect sizes were generally small. At T2, men had better rehabilitation outcomes, but they stayed in the rehabilitation ward significantly longer than women. The analysis revealed no significant effect of the time point of measurement (T1 vs. T2) and sex interaction on the test results. Greater independence in basic activities of daily living at discharge (BI > 15 at T2) depended on sex, age, MMSE, and TUG at T1. Conclusions: The results obtained do not provide conclusive evidence for differences in rehabilitation outcomes based on sex. Further research on the factors and mechanisms involved in stroke rehabilitation outcomes in relation to sex is needed.