Stroke survivors often don't receive further rehabilitation after the subacute phase. Because evidence suggests that using a combination of rehabilitation modalities may aid in stroke recovery, researchers sought to determine the effect of using such interventions in people who are in the later stages of recovery from stroke. They conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial to determine whether multimodal interventions, which are designed to engage patients in concurrent physical, sensory, cognitive, and social activities, would improve patients' global perception of recovery and their functional outcomes.

A total of 123 patients who'd had an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 10 months to five years previously were randomized to either an intervention group-in which they received rhythm-and-music therapy or horse-riding therapy-or the control group, in which they received rhythm-and-music therapy one year after inclusion in the trial. Baseline characteristics in the groups were similar.

After the end of the 12-week intervention, the change from baseline in participants' perception of recovery was significantly greater in the rhythm-and-music therapy and horse-riding therapy groups than in the control group. This change in perception was sustained at three and six months. Similarly, the active intervention groups showed significant improvements in functional outcomes, including gait ability, balance, grip strength, and working memory.

Participation in long-term multimodal rehabilitation programs is beneficial for stroke survivors with persistent disabilities, the authors conclude.

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