Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Stroke Patients: A Single Centre Retrospective, Observational Study from Surendranagar, Gujarat, India

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability globally, with varying demographics and clinical characteristics influencing outcomes. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate the Incidence and Prevalence rates of stroke patients, who underwent Physiotherapy from a single centre. Methods: This retrospective, observational study analyzed the incidence and prevalence rates of stroke patients undergoing Physiotherapy at the Neuro Physiotherapy Department of a Single centre in the Saurashtra Region of Gujarat, from June 2020 to February 2025. Data on demographic variables (age, sex) and clinical characteristics (stroke type, side, phases, comorbidities) were collected and statistically examined. Incidence and Prevalence rates were analysed statistically. The incidence per 100,000 patients and the concomitant 95% CI (Confidence Intervals) were computed. Results: The present study included 524 stroke patients in the time period of 4 years and 9 months. The mean age was 51.18 years (Males) and 53 years (Females). Among them, 40.84% sought physiotherapy during the Subacute Phase, 34.16% during the Acute Phase, and 25.00% during the Chronic Phase. Ischemic strokes accounted for 84.9% of cases, while haemorrhagic strokes accounted for 15.1%. Incidence proportion and annual incidence rates were 0.0256% and 5.4 per 100,000 population per year, respectively. Prevalence rates included point prevalence (0.00098%), period prevalence (0.0256%), and lifetime prevalence (0.0367%). Conclusion: This study offers valuable insights into the demographics and clinical characteristics of stroke patients undergoing physiotherapy in a single centre, laying the groundwork for broader, multi-centre studies to validate the findings. Key words: Stroke, Physiotherapy, Demographics, Incidence, Prevalence, Saurashtra, Retrospective Study