Evidence-based stroke r-ehabilitation: an expanded guidance document from the european stroke organisation (ESO) guidelines for management of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack 2008.
OBJECTIVE
Despite recent high-profile advances in our understanding of rehabilitation post-stroke, the evidence base remains weaker than in other areas of stroke management. Under the aegis of the European Stroke Organisation a select committee was assembled to collate and appraise the evidence base for rehabilitation interventions.


METHODS
Following systematic literature searching, relevant abstracts were screened for data quality and relevance. These data were summarized and presented to the members of the expert panel, who, both individually and across group discussions, modified the content. The process was repeated until a final document was produced that all members of the panel and the European Stroke Organisation editorial group were happy with.


RESULTS
The final guidelines offer a comprehensive review of post-stroke rehabilitation, incorporating discussion of optimal timing, setting and duration of therapy as well as individual sections on the role of professions allied to medicine; use of assistive technologies and dealing with the common complications encountered during the rehabilitation period.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of robust evidence for many of the prevalent post-stroke rehabilitation interventions. Available data are discussed and presented as key points; more importantly, specific areas that require further study are also highlighted.


METHODS
Following systematic literature searching, relevant abstracts were screened for data quality and relevance. These data were summarized and presented to the members of the expert panel, who, both individually and across group discussions, modified the content. The process was repeated until a final document was produced that all members of the panel and the European Stroke Organisation editorial group were happy with.


RESULTS
The final guidelines offer a comprehensive review of post-stroke rehabilitation, incorporating discussion of optimal timing, setting and duration of therapy as well as individual sections on the role of professions allied to medicine; use of assistive technologies and dealing with the common complications encountered during the rehabilitation period.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of robust evidence for many of the prevalent post-stroke rehabilitation interventions. Available data are discussed and presented as key points; more importantly, specific areas that require further study are also highlighted.
Quinn
Terence J
TJ
Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow Western Infirmary, Glasgow G11 6NT, United Kingdom.
Paolucci
Stefano
S
Sunnerhagen
Katherina S
KS
Sivenius
Juhani
J
Walker
Marion F
MF
Toni
Danilo
D
Lees
Kennedy R
KR
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005060:Europe; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013070:Speech Therapy; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation