Stroke: First-ever guidelines on stroke rehabilitation and recovery released

Stroke: First-ever guidelines on stroke rehabilitation and recovery released

 

For the first time, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) have issued guidelines on rehabilitation and recovery after stroke, published online May 4, 2016 in the journal Stroke. Few major recommendations are: 

• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities produce better outcomes than nursing homes.
• Formal fall prevention programs during hospitalization of the patient.
• Intensive repetitive mobility exercises for all patients with gait issues to improve mobility.
• Frequent monitoring of calcium/vitamin D levels in patients in long-term care facilities.
• Formulate tailored exercise programs.
• Provide "enriched environments to increase engagement with cognitive activities."
• Individuals with stroke who have poor balance, low balance confidence and fear of falls or are at risk for falls should be provided with a balance training program.