Progress in clinical neurosciences: Stroke recovery and rehabilitation

Background: Recent literature has provided new insights into the role of rehabilitation in neurological recovery post-stroke. The present review combines results of animal and clinical research to provide a summary of published information regarding the mechanisms of neural recovery and impact of rehabilitation. Methods: Plasticity of the uninjured and post-stroke brain is examined to provide a background for the examination of brain reorganization and recovery following stroke. Summary and Conclusions: Recent research has confirmed many of the basic underpinnings of rehabilitation and provided new insight into the role of rehabilitation in neurological recovery. Recovery post stroke is dependent upon cortical reorganization, and therefore, upon the presence of intact cortex, especially in areas adjacent to the infarct. Exposure to stimulating and complex environments and involvement in tasks or activities that are meaningful to the individual with stroke serves to increase cortical reorganization and enhance functional recovery. Additional factors associated with neurological recovery include size of stroke lesion, and the timing and intensity of therapy.