Background Concepts in Stroke Rehabilitation

Evidence shows that neurological and functional recovery occurs in both the acute and chronic phases post stroke. Rehabilitation has been shown to be most beneficial when started early, although recovery of stroke-related impairments is still possible even years later. Stroke recovery is influenced by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the likelihood and degree of neurological reorganization. The effects of early initiated rehabilitation, increased therapy intensity, and enriched environments on stroke recovery are of particular interest.