2026 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
Updated: August 27, 2026
Participation in multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapies is critical to reduce neurological impairment and improve function after stroke. Because of the varied nature of body structure and function impairments that can occur, improving function requires a combination of restorative and compensatory interventions.
Longitudinal coordinated communication among rehabilitation and other providers is essential to avoid gaps in care and to deliver efficient, effective, and high-value rehabilitation across the continuum. Rehabilitation should begin in the acute phase of stroke care.
Rehabilitation combines interventions aimed at the restitution of body structure and function and learning compensatory strategies. Uncertainty remains regarding the best treatment approaches, their timing, and dosing.
2026 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
In this video, Writing Group Chair Lorie G. Richards, PhD, OTR/L, FAHA; Vice Chair Nneka L. Ifejika, MD, MPH, FAHA; Vice Chair Joel Stein, MD, FAHA; and American Academy of Neurology Collaborator Mona N. Bahouth, MD, PhD highlight key updates from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's 2025 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery. Guideline authors discuss the most important recommendations for clinicians, including early and intensive rehabilitation, prevention of secondary complications, screening and treatment for post-stroke depression and anxiety, and the growing role of telerehabilitation in expanding access to care. The discussion also reviews the evidence-based process used to update the guideline and its implications for improving outcomes across the continuum of stroke recovery.
