IL-10 had a negative correlation with the LF-removal time of Adhesive Removal test (r = − 0.601, P = 0.014) and the mNSS (r = − 0.509, P= 0.044) respectively at day 21 after stroke, suggesting a close correlation between local inflammatory status and neurological improvement in the chronic phase of stroke. The gene discussed is IL10; the disease is stroke disorder.