Comprehensive rehabilitation of older adults following acute stroke: emphasis on therapeutic exercises and the multidisciplinary approach

Background. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, especially among older adults. Given the increasing incidence of CerebroVascular Accidents (CVAs) in the aging population, there is a growing need for comprehensive, individualized rehabilitation programs that address the specific physical, cognitive, and emotional needs of elderly patients. Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise as part of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach in elderly patients following an acute stroke. Materials and Methods. The study included 21 patients aged 62 to 79 years who were undergoing rehabilitation following an acute CVAs in a district hospital setting. The rehabilitation process featured a seven-stage individualized program consisting of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, cognitive training, and psychosocial support. The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated using standardized scales: the Modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Visual Analogue Scale, and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion. Results. 76% of the participants (n=16) showed significant improvement in their overall condition, including reduced neurological symptoms (aphasia, hemiplegia), enhanced motor skills, better balance, improved emotional well-being, and increased independence in daily activities. The remaining 24% of patients (n=5) also demonstrated positive changes but required additional rehabilitation cycles due to limited recovery potential and complex comorbidities. Conclusions. Individualized therapeutic exercises, integrated within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation framework, are effective in improving the physical and cognitive outcomes of elderly patients after stroke. Early initiation of rehabilitation, combined with continuous assessment and support from a multidisciplinary team, enhances functional recovery and improves the overall quality of life in this vulnerable population. Keywords: elderly patients, functional recovery, cerebrovascular accident.