Unmet challenges for rehabilitation after stroke in China

Stroke is an important public health problem in China, and is one of the leading causes of death and disability. About 2 500 000 people have a stroke in China every year, and 70–80% of patients lose the ability to perform routine activities and require care, resulting in an economic burden for both the country and their family.1 Japan has a similar incidence of stroke because of similar ancestry, but outcomes after stroke are better in Japan than in China. In Japan, 64·2% of young patients (age <65 years) and 42·2% of elderly patients (age ≥65 years) achieve independent walking, and 60·2% of young patients and 52·8% of elderly patients return to community life.