Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Community Participation Following Stroke, Part Two: Delivery of Stroke Rehabilitation to Optimize Functional Recovery, 7th Edition Update 2025

ABSTRACT: The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations 7 th edition update of the Rehabilitation, Recovery and Community Participation module is presented in three parts. This publication, Part Two of the series, reflects the growing and changing body of research evidence available to guide direct stroke rehabilitation therapies, screening, assessment, interventions, and strategies. Topics in this module include rehabilitation of upper and lower extremity, aerobic function, balance, mobility, activities of daily living, spasticity, fall risk, communication, dysphagia, nutrition, central pain, visual and visual-perceptual issues, and bladder and bowel function. This module provides guidance in the delivery of coordinated and seamless systems of care that support timely access to rehabilitation therapies, building on progress achieved during initial recovery, enabling people to achieve as much independence as possible and successfully resume social roles and leisure activities. Successful recovery, transitions and community participation require integrated and coordinated people-centered efforts by all members of care teams involved, and the broader community. These recommendations were developed with active involvement of people with lived experience of stroke throughout the care continuum. Evidence for effective rehabilitation therapies and support for individuals with stroke and their families continues to emerge and gaps in knowledge should drive future research.