[Therapeutic strategies in stroke aftercare. Contents and effects].

No generally accepted guidelines for stroke aftercare exist in Germany. This literature review summarizes the current evidence regarding the content and the effectiveness of aftercare strategies (exercise therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy) and their specific dose (intensity, duration, frequency). Exercise therapy (inter alia physiotherapy, resistance, endurance and gait training) has been shown to be effective for improving physical performance (strength, cardiopulmonary fitness, motor function) resulting in beneficial effects on gait, mobility and activities of daily living (ADL). As for the restoration of ADL and the resumption of social and leisure activities occupational therapy proved to be particularly effective. More research is needed to identify the specific effects of different aftercare strategies and their dose-response relationship to provide physicians a better foundation for therapy prescriptions.