The efficacy of stroke rehabilitation: a qualitative review.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published from 1970-2002 was conducted to assess whether specialized inpatient stroke rehabilitation is associated with improved outcomes compared to conventional care. Twelve studies involving 2,813 patients were included for detailed review. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro Scale. The outcomes of death, functional outcome, length of hospital stay, and rates of institutionalization were compared between the intervention and control group(s). Improved functional outcomes and reduced length of hospital stays were reported among patients receiving specialized rehabilitation in the majority of studies (7/12 and 5/8, respectively), while no differences in mortality or institutionalization were reported between the groups.