Optimization of post‑stroke rehabilitation: data from own clinical study of the possibilities of impact on indicators of the International Classification of Functioning

Aim: Improving the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitation measures in patients during the late recovery period and with the consequences of a cerebral infarction. Methods: The results of treatment of 250 patients who suffered an ischemic stroke with a prescription period of at least 6 months and no more than 1 year (late recovery period) were analyzed. The average age of 136 women and 114 men was 63.1 years (from 28 to 74 years). The patients were divided into two 1:1 groups: the main group (received, along with basic therapy and rehabilitation, Mexidol 500 mg (10 ml) parenterally for 14 days, followed by Mexidol FORTE 250 250 mg 3 times a day orally for 2 months) and the comparison group (only basic therapy and rehabilitation). The analysis of the dynamics of the state of functions, activity, and participation was determined according to a specific set of domains in the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) system. Results: In the main group of patients, after completing therapy, a statistically significantly larger number of patients exhibited no or mild impairments, and a statistically significantly smaller number of patients had severe and absolute impairments, compared to the comparison group, across most of the analyzed domains of function, task performance, and social engagement. Conclusions: The study has demonstrated the contribution of sequential therapy with Mexidol and Mexidol FORTE 250 to improving the effectiveness of therapeutic and rehabilitation measures in patients in the late recovery period and with the consequences of cerebral infarction. This is evidenced by an improvement in functioning indicators, reflecting positive dynamics in the ICF domain indicators related to movement, sensory and cognitive functions, social and domestic adaptation, physical activity, and patients’ participation in social life.