Background: Patient-centered care has recently become highly recommended, because it can improve health outcomes more effectively than problem-oriented care. The goal attainment scale (GAS) is one of the methods used for patient-centered care. It was originally developed as an outcome measurement tool, but it can also be used as a therapeutic intervention when setting quantifiable patient-centered goals. Objects: We sought to identify the effect of setting patient-centered goals on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with subacute stoke using GAS. Methods: Overall, 46 subjects with subacute stroke were divided into experimental (n1=23) and control (n2=23) groups. Subjects in both groups attended physical therapy sessions five times a week for four weeks. Those in the experimental group set goals using goal-attainment scaling. The mobility of each subject was evaluated using the Rivermead mobility index (RMI); daily-living activities, using the K-modified Barthel index (K-MBI); participation, using the Hopkins rehabilitation-engagement rating scale (HRERS); satisfaction, using the patient-satisfaction scale (PSS). Results: Subjects in the experimental group experienced more significant increases in RMI, HRERS, and PSS than those in the control group (p<.05, p<.05 and p<.01, respectively). After four weeks, GAS scores of the experimental group had increased more significantly than those of baseline (p<.01). Conclusion: Setting patient-centered goals is effective in improving the mobility and satisfaction of patients with subacute stoke. Setting patient-centered goals needs to be performed more frequently in clinical settings.