Special Issue: Breakthroughs in Stroke Rehabilitation: Bridging Engineering,Neuroscience,and Motor Control

Abstract

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in persistent motor impairments that limit independence and quality of life. This special issue highlights recent advances in stroke assessment and rehabilitation driven by the convergence of engineering, neuroscience, and motor control. The contributions are organized around four themes: (1) the importance of rigorous theoretical and methodological foundations to improve reproducibility and clinical translation; (2) the role of neuroplasticity, neuromodulation, and cognition in enhancing recovery; (3) emerging insights into neurophysiological and motor control mechanisms across cortical and spinal levels; and (4) innovations in assessment tools and rehabilitation technologies, including accessible, low-cost, and real-world solutions. Collectively, these studies demonstrate how interdisciplinary approaches are advancing both the science and practice of stroke rehabilitation, with an emphasis on clinically feasible strategies that can improve functional recovery and outcomes for individuals living with stroke.