Box 2.

Agreed, expert-based definition of motor rehabilitation after stroke.

Motor rehabilitation is a process that engages people with stroke in order to benefit their motor function, activity capacity and performance in daily life. It is necessary for all people with residual motor disability whose goal is to enhance their functioning, independence and participation. Motor rehabilitation strives to reduce motor impairments and improve functioning in activities through learning- and use-dependent mechanisms. The trajectory of motor and functional recovery varies between patients and stages of recovery. At early stages, behavioral restitution of motor function depends on the underlying mechanisms of spontaneous neurological recovery. At later stages, further functional improvements can be achieved by compensations. Motor rehabilitation is guided by regular assessment of motor function and activity using consensus-based measures, including patient-reported outcomes. Results are discussed with the patient and their carers in order to set personal goals. The core element of motor rehabilitation incorporates principles of motor control in which patients learn to optimize and adapt their motor, sensory and cognitive functioning through appropriately dosed, repetitive, goal-oriented, progressive, task- and context-specific training. Motor rehabilitation supports people with stroke to maximize health, well-being and quality of life.