7 Stages of Recovery · Stroke Motor Assessment
Select Recovery Stage
Recovery Profile
Guidelines & Evidence
Verified
Last Review: 2026
When to Use
When to Use
Classify the stage of motor recovery in post-stroke rehabilitation
Communicate the quality of motor return (spastic synergy vs. selective movement)
Establish goals for rehabilitation based on expected recovery trajectory
Monitor change over time — transition between stages guides therapy progression
Historically the foundational staging system for stroke motor recovery physiotherapy
Three Limb Groups
Brunnstrom stages are assessed separately for three limb groups: (1) Upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, forearm), (2) Hand (wrist, fingers), and (3) Lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle). Each group is classified independently on the same 6-stage scale. A patient may have different stages in each group — e.g., Stage III UE + Stage IV Hand + Stage IV LE.
Related Scores in Practice
In clinical practice, this assessment is frequently evaluated alongside other validated measures. Depending on the patient's presentation and specific diagnostic requirements, you may also need to utilize the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Motricity Index (Motor Strength) or the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) to formulate a comprehensive care plan.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026