Hemiparetic Gait in Stroke Neurorehabilitation

The restoration of gait after stroke is a primary and long-term goal of neurorehabilitation. This article focusеs on the update scientific theories for the influence of neurorehabilitation on restoration of hemiparetic gait due to unilateral supratentorial stroke. At presence it is accepted that stroke patients have an optimal time window for fast recovery within the rehabilitation. A significant motor improvement can be achieved in the first 6 months after stoke following by a plateau, although some functional recovery may be observed many years after stroke. Gait restoration in chronic hemiparesis is mainly associated with the use of optimal behavior strategies for compensation the existed motor deficit where the non-affected, clinically healthy side is more involved. Recent concepts emphasize on optimal stimulation of brain plasticity using relevant task-oriented and high-intensity training in better motivated and moving patients who have preserved cognition and receive family support.