[Give general practitioner a central role during the chronic phase after stroke]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• An updated systematic review on physical therapy effectiveness post-stroke was published in February 2014.
• The scientific foundation for physical therapy interventions in stroke rehabilitation has substantially improved in quality and quantity.
• This underscores the critical role of physical therapy within comprehensive stroke care management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions following stroke.
• To highlight the growing evidence base supporting physical therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
• To propose organizational changes in stroke care, emphasizing the role of general practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of physical therapy effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation.
• Analysis of the quality and quantity of scientific evidence.
• Review of current stroke care organization and implementation challenges.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in the quality and quantity of scientific evidence for physical therapy post-stroke.
• Confirmation of physical therapy's relevance in multidisciplinary stroke care.
• Identification of challenges in implementing review findings and organizing accessible care for all stroke patients.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapy is a vital component of stroke rehabilitation, backed by robust scientific evidence.
• Reorganization of stroke care is necessary to ensure all patients benefit from evidence-based physical therapy.
• General practitioners should assume a central role in managing patients during the chronic phase of stroke recovery.