Overview
- The American Stroke Association and American Heart Association published a new 2026 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery to update the 2016 recommendations and guide clinical practice.
- The guideline says every stroke patient should receive a personalized assessment and start rehabilitation during the hospital stay once medically stable, ideally within 48 hours.
- It warns against moderate‑ to high‑intensity exercise or task practice in the first 24 hours after stroke to reduce risk of harm while promoting early low‑dose mobilization such as sitting and standing.
- Rehabilitation should be delivered by coordinated multidisciplinary teams that address physical, cognitive, communication, and emotional needs and make routine screening and treatment for depression and anxiety part of care.
- The guideline calls for including and training caregivers, supports use of outpatient and telehealth services after discharge, and notes implementation will depend on local resources and hospital care pathways.