2024 韩国实践指南:卒中康复—第2部分:运动和感觉功能康复
Special Review
 Check for updates
Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea—Part 2: Rehabilitation for Motor and Sensory Function (2024)
OPEN ACCESS
Received: Jul 8, 2025 Accepted: Sep 29, 2025 Published online: Dec 1, 2025
Correspondence to Suk Hoon Ohn Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, New Sungmin Hospital, 70 Sinseokro, Seg-gu, Incheon 22789, Korea Email: ohneum@gmail.com
Hyun Haeng Lee, Yong Wook Kim, Hyoung Seop Kim, Seung Nam Yang, Sun Im, Woo-Kyoung Yoo, Joon-Ho Shin, Min-Kyun Oh, Won-Seok Kim, Da-Sol Kim, Won Kee Chang, Seyoung Shin, Sekwang Lee, Doo Young Kim, Sung-Hwa Ko, Yeo Jun Yun, Yookyung Lee, Miyoung Choi, Suk Hoon Ohn, KSNR Stroke CPG Writing Group
HIGHLIGHTS
$\bullet$ GRADE methodology adopted for evidence-based stroke motor and sensory rehabilitation guidelines. $\bullet$ Assistive devices including robotics conditionally recommended for upper limb function. $\bullet$ Botulinum toxin and taping conditionally recommended for shoulder pain and subluxation.
Brain Neurorehabil. 2025 Nov;18(3):e7 https://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2025.18.e7 pISSN 1976-8753-eISSN 2383-9910
bnr Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
Special Review
Check for updates
Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea—Part 2: Rehabilitation for Motor and Sensory Function (2024)
Hyun Haeng Lee $^{1}$, $^{1}$ Yong Wook Kim $^{1}$, $^{2}$ Hyoung Seop Kim $^{1}$, $^{3}$ Seung Nam Yang $^{1}$, $^{4}$ Sun Im $^{1}$, $^{5}$ Woo-Kyoung Yoo $^{1}$, $^{6}$ Joon-Ho Shin $^{1}$, $^{7}$ Min-Kyun Oh $^{1}$, $^{8}$ Won-Seok Kim $^{1}$, $^{9}$ Da-Sol Kim $^{1}$, $^{10}$ Won Kee Chang $^{1}$, $^{9}$ Seyoung Shin $^{1}$, $^{11}$ Sekwang Lee $^{1}$, $^{4}$ Doo Young Kim $^{1}$, $^{12}$ Sung-Hwa Ko $^{1}$, $^{13}$ Yeo Jun Yun $^{1}$, $^{14}$ Yookyung Lee $^{1}$, $^{15}$ Miyoung Choi $^{1}$, $^{16}$ Suk Hoon Ohn $^{1}$, $^{17}$ KSNR Stroke CPG Writing Group
†Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
*Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
$^{3}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pohang Stroke and Spin e Hospital, Pohang, Korea
$^{4}$Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
$^{5}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
$^{6}$Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
$^{5}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Center, Seoul, Korea
$^{8}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
$^{9}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
$^{10}$Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
$^{11}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
$^{10}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
$^{13}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University
$^{13}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
$^{14}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea
$^{15}$Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
$^{7}$Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, New Sungmin Hospital, Incheon, Korea
$^{16}$National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, Seoul, Korea
ABSTRACT
OPEN ACCESS
Accepted: Sep 29, 2025
Published online: Dec 1, 2025
Correspondence to
Suk Hoon Ohn
Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, New Sungmin Hospital, 70 Sinseokro, Seg.-u, Incheon 22789, Korea
Email: ohneun@gmail.com
Copyright © 2025. Korean Society for Neurohabilitation
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
ORCID iDs
Hyun Haeng Lee ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6666-6284 Yong Wook Kim ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5234-2454Hyoung Seop Kim ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5310-4802Seung Nam Yang ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2850-0341Sun Im ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8400-491Woo-Kouny You ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1273-0647Joon-Ho Shin ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6447-8829Min-Kyun Oh ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0258-6298
This clinical practice guideline (CPG) is the second part of the fourth edition of the Korean Stroke Rehabilitation Guidelines, following the first part published in 2023. While, the first part addressed rehabilitation for motor function, while this second part focuses on both motor and sensory rehabilitation. Beginning with the fourth edition, significant methodological advancements have been introduced, transitioning from a consensus-based approach to an evidence-based framework using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology. The target population encompasses adult stroke patients, both male and female, with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke types included, while pediatric stroke cases are excluded from consideration. This guideline is primarily intended for physiatrists and specialized therapists who provide rehabilitation services to patients with stroke-related motor impairments and activities of daily living limitations across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities. The development team consisted of eighteen stroke rehabilitation specialists and one expert in CPG development methodology. Key questions were formulated based on target population
Stroke Rehabilitation: Motor and Sensory Function
bnr Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
Won-Seok Kim ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1199-5707 Da-Sol Kim ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7745-978X Won Kee Chang ID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9756-6817 Seyoung Shin ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7834-9494 Sekwang Lee ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3044-2673 Doo Young Kim ID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1327-5348 Sung-Hwa Ko ID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4900-5972 Yeo Jun Yun ID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7497-4797 Yookyung Lee ID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4282-9848 Mioung Choi ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2424-9965 Suk Hoon Ohn ID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1139-1946
Funding
None.
Conflict of Interest
The development of this CPG, 'Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea—Part 2: Rehabilitation for Motor and Sensory Function (2024)', received no financial or non-financial support from any interest groups, including specific societies, institutions, or related industries. All members of the guideline development committee were required to submit a conflict of interest (COI) form to thoroughly check for potential conflicts. All participating members declared no COI (e.g., financial relationships with related companies, consulting, lectures, research grants, intellectual property ownership) related to the study content during their participation period, ensuring the objectivity and fairness of this guideline.
preferences and international stroke rehabilitation guidelines, with subsequent refinement by specialists responsible for each respective topic. Draft recommendations underwent a formal consensus process using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method, followed by further refinement through public hearings and external expert evaluation.
Keywords: Clinical Practice Guideline; Biofeedback; Robotics; Shoulder Pain; Telerehabilitation
INTRODUCTION
Stroke is one of the three leading causes of death in Korea, along with cancer and heart disease, and is a condition that can lead to severe neurological and functional impairments in survivors. According to the analysis using data of the National Health Insurance Services from 2011 to 2020, the incidence of new stroke cases has remained steady or slightly increased, with approximately 100,000 new cases annually [1]. Consequently, multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapy, initiated from the acute phase and continued thereafter, is recommended as a core strategy to maximize functional recovery and minimize long-term disability [2,3].
Many advanced countries have developed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for stroke rehabilitation tailored to their healthcare systems, systemizing the latest evidence to support clinicians' decision-making [4]. In Korea, the Korean Society for NeuroRehabilitation (KSNR) first published its PCG for stroke rehabilitation in 2009 and has continuously revised and supplemented it since [5-8].
This CPG is the second part of the fourth edition, following Part 1, which was published in 2023. While Part 1 addressed rehabilitation for motor function, this second part expands the scope to include rehabilitation for both motor and sensory functions not covered previously. This guideline is designed to assist clinicians in making optimal treatment decisions by integrating the latest research findings and scientific evidence. It is not intended to be uniformly applied to all patients; the final treatment decisions rest with the attending physician, considering each patient's medical condition, preferences, and circumstances. Therefore, this guideline cannot replace the professional judgment of a physician or be used for the purpose of restricting, evaluating, or auditing clinical practice.
AIM OF CPG
The primary purpose of this CPG is to support the clinical decision-making of healthcare professionals involved in the rehabilitation of stroke patients by presenting evidence-based treatment recommendations for the entire rehabilitation process, from the acute to the chronic phase. This guideline particularly focuses on rehabilitation methods for recovering motor and sensory functions. By promoting the systematic use of this guideline, we aim to reduce the gap between evidence-based medicine and actual clinical practice, minimize variations in treatment approaches among institutions and physicians, and ultimately enhance the quality of medical care. This guideline comprehensively covers rehabilitation therapies that can affect the health benefits and potential risks for individual stroke patients. Its ultimate goal is to contribute to maximizing patients' functional recovery, preventing
complications, facilitating their return to daily life, and improving their quality of life.
Furthermore, this guideline provides valuable information not only for medical professionals but also for patients and their caregivers to better understand the principles and processes of rehabilitation therapy.
TARGET POPULATION AND SCOPE
This CPG is a revision of the ‘Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea 2016’ [7] and follows the ‘Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea—
Part 1: Rehabilitation for Motor Function (2022)’ [8]. It focuses on rehabilitation for motor and sensory functions. This guideline targets adults with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, excluding pediatric stroke.
TARGET USERS AND SETTINGS
The primary target users of this CPG are physicians and specialized therapists who provide rehabilitation for patients experiencing difficulties in activities of daily living due to motor and sensory deficits after stroke in primary, secondary, and tertiary medical institutions.
METHOD OF CPG DEVELOPMENT
Building of CPG development group
The guideline development team was composed of an operating committee, a working
committee, and an advisory committee. The operating committee, selected by the board of KSNR for expertise and representativeness, included a chairperson, a general secretary, and a methodology expert. The working committee, responsible for the practical development, consisted of 16 physiatrists from 12 universities and 2 hospitals. The advisory committee,
comprising the president and board members of the KSNR, provided overall supervision
and review.
Decision of CPG development method
This CPG was newly developed (‘De novo’) using the evidence-based Grading of
Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology,
marking a transition from the prior consensus-based approach [9]. The key questions
were determined through a multi-stage process. An initial pool of candidate questions
was identified from previous Korean guidelines and recent international CPGs. The
operating committee for the Part 1 guideline compiled 39 key questions (KQs) relevant to
the guideline’s scope from previous and international CPGs. Following a preference survey of patients, caregivers, and experts, the operating committee for the Part 1 (2022) guideline selected and addressed the highest-priority 24 topics [8]. For this guideline (Part 2), the
current operating committee then selected the topics from the remaining pool of topics.
Evaluation of foreign stroke clinical guidelines
The operating and working committees for the Part 1 guideline selected topics within the guideline’s scope, using stroke rehabilitation guidelines from Canada (2019) [10,11], the United States (2019) [12], and Australia (Living CPG, available at https://app.magicapp.
3/9
https://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2025.18.e7
Stroke Rehabilitation: Motor and Sensory Function
Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
https://e-bnr.org
org/#/guideline/6659). Two researchers evaluated each CPG using the Korean Appraisal
of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. Based on the results, the operating and
working committees for the Part 1 guideline decided to utilize all three CPGs for the selection of KQs.
Perspectives and preferences of the target population
A survey was conducted among 11 stroke patients and their caregivers, as well as medical
staff at the Part 1 guideline operating committee members’ affiliated hospitals, to assess the importance and preference for each KQ using an 11-point Likert scale (0–10).
Decision of CPG scope
The revision of the ‘Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke Rehabilitation in Korea’ was
planned to be conducted sequentially in parts due to its broad scope, adopting the
GRADE methodology. Accordingly, the operating and advisory committees for the current
guideline defined its scope and, after discussion, confirmed the title as ‘Part 2: Rehabilitation for Motor and Sensory Function.’
Selection of key questions
From the 39 initial questions, 24 were addressed in Part 1 (2022). The remaining topics were used to formulate 13 KQs for this guideline, ‘Part 2: Rehabilitation for Motor and Sensory
Function.’ Each KQ was structured in the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome
format and finalized after consultation with search specialists, methodology experts, and the assigned committee members.
Literature search and selection
The literature search was conducted by information specialists using four databases: Ovid
MEDLINE®, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed. The search period ranged from 1946 to August 22, 2024. The search terms, selected by the committee members responsible for each KQ, were composed of MeSH terms, Emtree terms, and natural language, used alone or in combination, to ensure a highly sensitive search. To prevent the omission of major
studies, a manual search strategy was used to supplement the search results. The search
terms for each KQ are attached in Supplementary Data 1. Based on the search results, two
clinical experts (working committee members) for each KQ conducted the final selection of
literature related to the KQs according to the selection criteria and the Preferred Reporting
Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. The first screening was conducted by reviewing titles and abstracts, and the second screening was conducted
by reviewing the full text of the literature. When disagreements arose during the literature
selection process, a consensus was reached through discussion between the 2 working
committee members. If a consensus could not be reached through discussion, the operating committee intervened and mediated to make the final selection. The PRISMA flow diagram
for each KQ is included in the recommendation statement for each KQ.
Risk of bias
Two clinical experts for each KQ assessed the finally selected literature using validated
risk-of-bias tools. To ensure consistency, a workshop for the working committee was held on September 23, 2024, with a methodology expert. The tools used were AMSTAR 2.0 for systematic reviews, RoB 2.0 for randomized controlled trials, and ROBANS 2.0 for nonrandomized studies. Consensus on assessments was reached through discussion, with the operating committee mediating unresolved disagreements.
4/9
https://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2025.18.e7
Stroke Rehabilitation: Motor and Sensory Function
Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
https://e-bnr.org
Analysis of evidence
The working committee members for each key question extracted and summarized research
findings from the selected literature. Meta-analyses were conducted when feasible, and a
workshop with a methodology expert was held on November 11, 2024, to ensure their accuracy. The general process for meta-analysis was as follows: A random-effects model was used to
secure the generalizability of the derived effect sizes. Subgroup analyses were recommended
to investigate the cause of heterogeneity when it exceeded 50% (I2 > 50%), and sensitivity
analyses were permitted to confirm the robustness of the estimates. The standardized mean
difference was used as the principal measure, but the mean difference was also allowed if the same tool was used to assess a specific outcome. The entire meta-analysis was performed
using the R language with the ‘meta,’ ‘metafor,’ and ‘robvis’ packages.
Certainty of the evidence and level of recommendation
The working committee members determined the certainty of the evidence and the strength of recommendations based on the GRADE method. A workshop with a methodology expert was held on December 16, 2024, to ensure the validity and accuracy of this process. Decisions were made by consensus among the assigned working members, with the operating
committee mediating any disagreements.
Formal consensus and conflict of interests
A formal consensus process was conducted with all members of the operating, working, and advisory committees. Members with any minor conflicts of interest were excluded from the development and consensus process for the relevant clinical questions. After an informal
consensus meeting, the revised recommendations underwent a formal consensus process
using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method via several rounds of surveys from March
5 to March 17, 2025. The appropriateness and consensus for the 13 KQs were evaluated on a 9-point Likert scale.
Appraisal from outside expert
The consensus-driven recommendations were presented at a public hearing during the
2025 KSNR Spring Conference on March 22, 2025. The development process and final
results were shared with all KSNR member physicians, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to gather their opinions.
Opinion of the persons concerned
After drafting, the guideline was evaluated by a panel of 10 external experts (including specialists from related societies not involved in the development) from May 25 to June 6, 2025. The completed guideline will be submitted to the Clinical Practice Guideline Committee of the Korean Medical Association for further external evaluation, and any feedback will be considered for the next revision.
Distribution and implement
This CPG will be published on the KSNR website, making it accessible to physicians and
other professionals treating stroke patients. It is expected to be utilized for continuing
medical education, healthcare professional training, patient and caregiver counseling, and as a reference for clinical decision-making. Feedback from users will be continuously collected for future improvements.
5/9
https://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2025.18.e7
Stroke Rehabilitation: Motor and Sensory Function
Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
https://e-bnr.org
Stroke Rehabilitation: Motor and Sensory Function
bnr Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
Plan of revision and update
The update of this CPG will proceed according to the scheduled sequential updates of the existing guidelines using the GRADE method.
RESULTS
As a result of the development process described above, an evidence-based CPG was developed, including recommendations for a total of 13 KQs. The summary of recommendations is presented in Table 1. The detailed development process, rationale, and a Korean version of the recommendation are available as Supplementary Data 1 and 2.
|KQ|Division|Recommendation|LoE|LoR*| |---|---|---|---|---| |KQ1. Biofeedback (upper extremity)|Update|For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, biofeedback therapy using electromyography, when added to conventional therapy, does not show a significantly superior effect in improving upper limb motor impairment and function compared to conventional therapy alone. However, as consistent, albeit limited, functional improvement is observed, it can be selectively added depending on the patient's condition.|Low|B| |KQ2. Biofeedback (lower extremity)|Update|For patients with lower limb dysfunction after stroke, biofeedback therapy using electromyography does not show a significantly superior effect in improving lower limb motor condition. However, as limited and functional improvement in lower limb motor function is observed, it can be selectively added depending on the patient's condition.|Low|B| |KQ3. Assistive device|Update|For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, task-oriented upper limb rehabilitation using assistive devices is superior to task-oriented rehabilitation without devices in improving upper limb function and ADL, but can be implemented selectively considering resource availability, feasibility, and patient acceptance.|Moderate|B| |KQ4. Intra-articular injections for post-stroke shoulder pain|Update|For patients with post-stroke shoulder pain, intra-articular injections have a short-term (within 3 weeks) effect on improving shoulder joint pain and can be selectively implemented on the patient's underlying disease and condition.|Low|B| |KQ5. Botulinum toxin for post-stroke shoulder pain|Update|For patients with post-stroke shoulder pain, botulinum toxin injections into the shoulder-girdle muscles are effective for long-term improvement of shoulder joint pain and can be selectively implemented by evaluating the patient's upper limb muscle spasticity.|Low|B| |KQ6. Suprascapular nerve block for post-stroke shoulder and pain|Update|For patients with post-stroke shoulder pain, suprascapular nerve block may be effective for short-term improvement of shoulder joint pain (within 2 weeks post-intervention) and is implemented selectively considering the pros and cons of other treatments.|Low|B| |KQ7. Orthosis for post-stroke shoulder subxialation and pain|Update|For patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, the use of shoulder orthoses may have a limited effect on preventing shoulder subxialation and improving pain, and can be selectively implemented depending on the patient's condition.|Low|B| |KQ8. Taping for post-stroke shoulder subxialation and pain|New|For patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, the use of shoulder taping can be effective in preventing shoulder subxialation and improving pain, and can be selectively depending on the patient's condition.|Moderate|B| |KQ9. Muscle strengthening exercise for post-stroke shoulder subxialation|New|For patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, shoulder muscle strengthening exercises can have some beneficial effects on preventing shoulder subxialation and can be selectively implemented depending on the patient's condition.|Moderate|B| |KQ10. Bilateral arm training|Update|For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, bilateral arm training is effective in improving upper limb motor function when implemented selectively according to the patient's condition.|Low|B| |KQ11. Sensory stimulation training|Update|For patients with somatosensory deficits after stroke, rehabilitation including sensory stimulation training is effective in improving sensory function and can be selectively implemented depending on the patient's condition.|Low|B| |KQ12. Whole-body vibration|Update|Rehabilitation including whole-body vibration has been shown to have limited effects on improving balance and motor function in stroke patients compared to rehabilitation without it, and can be added to conventional rehabilitation depending on the patient's condition.|Moderate|B| |KQ13. Telerehabilitation|Update|For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, telerehabilitation is non-inferior to conventional rehabilitation in improving upper limb motor impairment, so telerehabilitation can be considered when providing sufficient conventional rehabilitation is difficult.|Moderate|B|
KQ, key question; LoE, level of evidence; LoR, level of recommendation; ADL, activities of daily living.
“LoR A: Strong for recommend; LoR B: Conditional for recommend; LoR C: Conditional against recommend; LoR D: Strong against recommend; LoR I: Inconclusive.
DISCUSSION
This CPG, the second part of the 4th edition of the Korean Stroke Rehabilitation Guidelines, provides updated, evidence-based recommendations for motor and sensory rehabilitation,
areas not covered in Part 1. By employing the GRADE methodology, this guideline shifts
from a traditional consensus-based approach to a more rigorous, evidence-based framework, reflecting a global trend in CPG development [9,13]. This ensures that the recommendations are based on the best available evidence, enhancing their reliability and applicability in
clinical settings.
A key finding of this CPG is the growing evidence for technology-supported interventions.
The conditional recommendation for telerehabilitation (KQ13) as a non-inferior alternative
for upper limb therapy offers a notable option for improving access to care, particularly when in-person treatment is challenging [14,15]. This, along with the conditional recommendation for using assistive devices like robotics and virtual reality (KQ3), highlights the evolving
landscape of neurorehabilitation, where technology is increasingly integrated to enhance
therapy intensity and engagement [16].
In the management of post-stroke shoulder complications, this guideline presents a series
of nuanced conditional recommendations. Interventions for preventing subluxation, such
as orthoses (KQ7), taping (KQ8), and shoulder muscle strengthening (KQ9) are suggested
to have some effects and should be applied selectively. For shoulder pain, various options
are presented with specific conditions: intra-articular injections for short-term relief (KQ4), suprascapular nerve block for possible short-term benefit (KQ6), and botulinum toxin
injections for long-term improvement, particularly concerning spasticity and regulatory
considerations for off-label use (KQ5). This detailed, conditional approach guides clinicians in tailoring treatment for this common and reducing post-stroke complication [17].
Biofeedback (KQ1, KQ2) and whole-body vibration (KQ12) received conditional
recommendations, suggesting they are not universally superior to conventional therapy but
may offer benefits for certain patients. This highlights a critical area for future research.
The limited, low-quality evidence for these modalities necessitates larger, well-designed
randomized controlled trials to clarify their specific roles, optimal parameters, and target
patient populations.
Compared to the previous edition and other international guidelines, this CPG provides
more specific recommendations on sensory rehabilitation (KQ11). The conditional
recommendation for sensory stimulation training, though based on low-certainty evidence, is an important step in addressing this often-neglected aspect of stroke recovery. Future
research should focus on identifying the most effective sensory training protocols and
integrating them with motor rehabilitation to optimizing overall functional recovery [18].
A limitation of this CPG is that the development committee was composed solely of
physiatrists. Although opinions from other healthcare professionals were gathered through
public hearings and external reviews, a multidisciplinary development committee from the
outset could have provided a broader perspective. Future revisions should aim to include
a more diverse group of experts, including therapists, nurses, and patient representatives,
to further strengthen the guideline’s comprehensiveness and applicability. Additionally,
some KQs were based on a small number of studies, leading to low or moderate certainty of
7/9
https://doi.org/10.12786/bn.2025.18.e7
Stroke Rehabilitation: Motor and Sensory Function
Brain & NeuroRehabilitation
https://e-bnr.org
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Abstract
evidence. This underscores the need for continued high-quality randomized controlled trials in stroke rehabilitation in Korea.
Abstract
This CPG provides up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for motor and sensory rehabilitation after stroke. It serves as a valuable resource for clinicians and aims to standardize and improve the quality of stroke care in Korea. Continuous updates and further research are essential to refine these recommendations as new evidence emerges.
References
guideline for stroke rehabilitation in Korea-Part 1: rehabilitation for motor function (2022). Brain Neurorehabil 2023;16:e18. PUBMED | CROSSREF 9. Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Vist GE, Kunz R, Falck-Ytter Y, Alonso-Coello P, Schünemann HJ; GRADE Working Group. GRADE: an emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. BMJ 2008;336:924-926. PUBMED | CROSSREF
guideline for stroke rehabilitation in Korea-Part 1: rehabilitation for motor function (2022). Brain Neurorehabil 2023;16:e18. PUBMED | CROSSREF 9. Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Vist GE, Kunz R, Falck-Ytter Y, Alonso-Coello P, Schünemann HJ; GRADE Working Group. GRADE: an emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. BMJ 2008;336:924-926. PUBMED | CROSSREF
Authors
References
| KQ | Division | Recommendation | LoE | LoR* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KQ1. Biofeedback (upper extremity) | Update | For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, biofeedback therapy using electromyography, when added to conventional therapy, does not show a significantly superior effect in improving upper limb motor impairment and function compared to conventional therapy alone. However, as consistent, albeit limited, functional improvement is observed, it can be selectively added depending on the patient's condition. | Low | B |
| KQ2. Biofeedback (lower extremity) | Update | For patients with lower limb dysfunction after stroke, biofeedback therapy using electromyography does not show a significantly superior effect in improving lower limb motor condition. However, as limited and functional improvement in lower limb motor function is observed, it can be selectively added depending on the patient's condition. | Low | B |
| KQ3. Assistive device | Update | For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, task-oriented upper limb rehabilitation using assistive devices is superior to task-oriented rehabilitation without devices in improving upper limb function and ADL, but can be implemented selectively considering resource availability, feasibility, and patient acceptance. | Moderate | B |
| KQ4. Intra-articular injections for post-stroke shoulder pain | Update | For patients with post-stroke shoulder pain, intra-articular injections have a short-term (within 3 weeks) effect on improving shoulder joint pain and can be selectively implemented on the patient's underlying disease and condition. | Low | B |
| KQ5. Botulinum toxin for post-stroke shoulder pain | Update | For patients with post-stroke shoulder pain, botulinum toxin injections into the shoulder-girdle muscles are effective for long-term improvement of shoulder joint pain and can be selectively implemented by evaluating the patient's upper limb muscle spasticity. | Low | B |
| KQ6. Suprascapular nerve block for post-stroke shoulder and pain | Update | For patients with post-stroke shoulder pain, suprascapular nerve block may be effective for short-term improvement of shoulder joint pain (within 2 weeks post-intervention) and is implemented selectively considering the pros and cons of other treatments. | Low | B |
| KQ7. Orthosis for post-stroke shoulder subxialation and pain | Update | For patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, the use of shoulder orthoses may have a limited effect on preventing shoulder subxialation and improving pain, and can be selectively implemented depending on the patient's condition. | Low | B |
| KQ8. Taping for post-stroke shoulder subxialation and pain | New | For patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, the use of shoulder taping can be effective in preventing shoulder subxialation and improving pain, and can be selectively depending on the patient's condition. | Moderate | B |
| KQ9. Muscle strengthening exercise for post-stroke shoulder subxialation | New | For patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, shoulder muscle strengthening exercises can have some beneficial effects on preventing shoulder subxialation and can be selectively implemented depending on the patient's condition. | Moderate | B |
| KQ10. Bilateral arm training | Update | For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, bilateral arm training is effective in improving upper limb motor function when implemented selectively according to the patient's condition. | Low | B |
| KQ11. Sensory stimulation training | Update | For patients with somatosensory deficits after stroke, rehabilitation including sensory stimulation training is effective in improving sensory function and can be selectively implemented depending on the patient's condition. | Low | B |
| KQ12. Whole-body vibration | Update | Rehabilitation including whole-body vibration has been shown to have limited effects on improving balance and motor function in stroke patients compared to rehabilitation without it, and can be added to conventional rehabilitation depending on the patient's condition. | Moderate | B |
| KQ13. Telerehabilitation | Update | For patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke, telerehabilitation is non-inferior to conventional rehabilitation in improving upper limb motor impairment, so telerehabilitation can be considered when providing sufficient conventional rehabilitation is difficult. | Moderate | B |
引用 / 出处
2024 韩国实践指南:卒中康复—第2部分:运动和感觉功能康复. 2024.