The lingering effects of a busted myth — false time limits in stroke rehabilitation

Abstract

It was once falsely believed that neurological and functional recovery after stroke occurred only in the first 6 months after lesion. The perception of this “6-month myth” continues to negatively impact the attitudes of patients towards their rehabilitation and on the clinicians and therapists making optimal training plans. Here we briefly outline some evidence that debunked the 6-month myth, where the concept of this temporal limit may have originated, and the lingering misunderstanding that individuals with stroke reach a plateau of recovery after 6 months even with rehabilitation training. We present evidence that significant functional improvement can occur years after stroke when rehabilitation training is applied. We frame the concepts of active and passive neurological recovery and that active neurological recovery continues far beyond any temporal limit. Because the effects of this busted 6-month myth persist, we aim to remind active physicians, therapists, exercise professionals, and those with stroke to continuously seek opportunities for active rehabilitation training. Meanwhile, trained and certified exercise professionals can play critical roles in facilitating rehabilitative training for community-dwelling stroke survivors.