Mobility after stroke: Relearning to walk

Abstract

Approximately two-thirds of stroke patients initially suffer from impaired mobility. The clinical pathways for rehabilitation of gait after stroke are based on a systematic literature search for randomized clinical studies and reviews with the following clinically relevant outcome variables: walking ability, balance, gait velocity, and walking endurance. For each of these outcome variables, evidence-based recommendations were formulated separately for the subacute and chronic stages after stroke. The German ReMoS guideline forms the basis for this work. The recommendations are compared with those of four other European and North American guidelines. The main commonalities and differences are discussed. This overview also helps to identify elementary rules for rehabilitation of gait. These rules should be considered when establishing regional rehabilitation programs and clinical pathways in different countries.