Effectiveness of Intensive Rehabilitation on Motor Recovery After Ischemic Stroke in Productive Age Patients

Abstract

Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, with productive-age individuals (15–64 years) representing a significant proportion of affected populations. Motor impairments following ischemic stroke often result in long-term loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and socioeconomic burden if recovery is not optimized. Intensive rehabilitation—characterized by higher frequency, duration, and task-specific training initiated early after stroke onset—has been increasingly recognized as a promising approach to improve functional recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation on motor recovery among productive-age ischemic stroke patients. A qualitative literature review was conducted by synthesizing evidence from clinical trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies published in the last decade. Data were collected from PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar using keywords including “ischemic stroke,” “intensive rehabilitation,” “motor recovery,” and “productive age.” The findings consistently indicate that intensive rehabilitation significantly accelerates and enhances motor recovery compared to standard rehabilitation. Early initiation, preferably within the first two weeks after stroke, and adequate frequency of therapy sessions are crucial in maximizing recovery outcomes by leveraging neuroplasticity. Demographic and clinical factors—such as younger age within the productive range, mild to moderate stroke severity, and absence of comorbidities—were associated with better rehabilitation outcomes. In conclusion, intensive rehabilitation provides superior short-term functional improvements and facilitates earlier achievement of independence in productive-age stroke survivors. However, long-term benefits depend on sustained therapy and individualized treatment planning. This study underscores the importance of structured, timely, and intensive rehabilitation strategies to support motor recovery and workforce reintegration among productive-age stroke patients.