Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Community Participation Following Stroke, Part Three: Optimizing Activity and Community Participation Following Stroke , 7th Edition Update, 2025

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2026 Mar 1;105(3):238-252. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002845. Epub 2025 Nov 19.

Abstract

The 7th edition update of the Rehabilitation, Recovery and Community Participation module is presented in three parts. Part Three of the series reflects the current research evidence focused on person-centered care, optimizing an individual's return to their community and engaging in active and meaningful participation. Emphasis is placed on regular healthcare follow-up, maximizing secondary prevention strategies, assessment, diagnosis, and management of mood disorders and cognitive status, sleep health, and post-stroke fatigue. Personal issues that are important and meaningful to individuals with stroke are addressed, including returning to driving, vocational roles, relationships, sexuality, life roles, leisure, social participation, advance care planning, and palliative care. This module highlights the need for coordinated and seamless systems of care that extend beyond the first few months after stroke, building on progress achieved during the initial recovery, to support seamless longer-term recovery. The main goal of these recommendations is to help individuals with stroke achieve as much independence as possible in meaningful life roles and leisure activities. Successful planning across transitions requires integrated and coordinated people-centered efforts by all stroke team members and the broader community. Active engagement of the individual and family at all stages of planning and goal setting is essential.

Keywords: Clinical Practice Guideline; Cognitive Rehabilitation; Community Participation; Driving following Stroke; Functional Health; Life Roles; Post-stroke Fatigue; Post-stroke Mood and Depression; Sexuality and Relationships; Vocations.

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Canada
  • Community Participation*
  • Humans
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Social Participation*
  • Stroke Rehabilitation* / methods
  • Stroke Rehabilitation* / standards
  • Stroke* / psychology