Stroke patients do not need to be inactive in the first two-weeks after stroke: Results from a stroke unit focused on early rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Although stroke unit care with early rehabilitation is recommended for most stroke patients, the content of the treatment given to acute stroke patients differs a lot. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to describe the activity patterns of acute stroke patients managed in a stroke unit focused on early rehabilitation. Methods: Patients admitted to the stroke unit at St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, with the diagnosis of stroke were asked to participate. Patients were eligible if they were less than 14days post stroke and did not receive palliative care. Patients were observed every 10mins from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and activity, location, and who helped them were recorded. Result..