Plasma matrix metalloproteinases in patients with stroke during intensive rehabilitation therapy

I don't see what possible use knowing these levels are could be helpful in your stroke recovery. So go ask your doctor.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J74751&phrase=no&rec=132004&article_source=Rehab&international=0&international_language=&international_location=
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Volume 97(11) , Pgs. 1832-1840.

NARIC Accession Number: J74751.  What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Ma, Feifei; Rodriguez, Susana; Buxo, Xavi; Morancho, Anna; Riba-Llena, Iolanda; Carrera, Ana; Bustamante, Alejandro; Giralt, Dolors; Montaner, Joan; Martinez, Carmen; Bori, Immaculada; Rosell, Anna.
Publication Year: 2016.
Number of Pages: 9.
Abstract: Study investigated plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as potential markers of recovery during intensive rehabilitation therapy (IRT) after stroke. The primary purpose was to measure plasma MMP3, MMP12, and MMP13 levels and evaluate potential associations with motor/functional scales using a battery of tests before IRT and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. The secondary aim was to evaluate the use of these MMPs as biomarkers as predictors of patient’s outcome. Fifteen patients with first-ever ischemic stroke enrolled tin IRT (minimum 3 hours per day and 5 days a week) and 15 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Results showed that MMP levels remained stable during the study period and were similar to those in the healthy volunteer group. However, baseline MMP12 and MMP13 levels were strongly associated with stroke severity and were found to be elevated in those patients with the poorest outcomes. Interestingly, plasma MMP3 was independent of baseline stroke characteristics but was found to be increased in patients with better motor/functional recovery and in patients with larger improvements during rehabilitation. Findings suggest that MMPs might act as biologic markers of recovery during rehabilitation therapy related to their roles in both injury and tissue remodeling. Future confirmatory investigations in multicenter studies are warranted.