Optimal Strategies of Upper Limb Motor Rehabilitation after Stroke

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive approach for optimal strategies of upper limb motor rehabilitation after stroke. Stroke is a common, serious, and disabling global health-care problem. Optimal organization of rehabilitation for stroke patients has been extensively documented. However, between 30% and 66% of individuals with stroke do not obtain satisfactory motor recovery of the affected upper limb with rehabilitative interventions. The recovery of the affected upper extremity depends on intensity, task progression, and repetition to neural plasticity, namely, the ability of central nervous system cells to modify their structure and function in response to external stimuli. Recently, constraint-induced movement therapy, motor imagery, action observation, or mirror therapy has emerged as interesting options as add-on interventions to standard physical therapies. In this review, we will discuss to establish a framework by which several promising interventions for neural plasticity.