EVIDENCE-BASED STROKE REHABILITATION: 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. Conclusion: 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.