Enhancing medical rehabilitation outcomes for patients following ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To improve the efficacy of medical rehabilitation interventions for patients in the late recovery phase following ischemic stroke (IS) and its associated sequelae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of treatment outcomes was conducted in 250 patients with IS evaluated between 6 and 12 months post-event (136 women and 114 men, with a mean age of 63±14 years, range 28-74 years). The study participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 received standard therapy and medical rehabilitation combined with Mexidol 500 mg (10 mL) administered parenterally for 14 days, followed by Mexidol FORTE 250 mg orally TID for an additional two months. Group 2 received only the standard therapy and medical rehabilitation. Various assessments were conducted, including evaluations of neurological deficits (using the Rivermead Mobility Index and the Scandinavian Stroke Scale), social and domestic adaptation (using the Barthel Index), cognitive and emotional status, and sleep quality. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of changes in functioning, activity, and participation was conducted in accordance with the domains outlined in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: Participants in Group 1 showed statistically significant improvements in the assessed indicators compared with the control group. Additionally, marked improvements were observed in the key domains of functioning, task performance, and social participation, according to the ICF. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential therapy with Mexidol and Mexidol FORTE 250 mg notably enhances the recovery of motor, sensory, cognitive, and other neurological functions among patients in the late recovery phase post-IS, thereby facilitating better social and domestic adaptation, increased levels of activity and participation in life and society, along with improvements in emotional well-being.