Bernhardt J, Dewey H, Thrift A, Collier J, Donnan G
The aim of this trial was to test the hypothesis that very early rehabilitation after stroke leads to improved outcomes.
71 patients at <24 hours post stroke were randomly assigned to receive standard care (SC) or standard care plus very early mobilisation (VEM) for 14 days or until discharge. Outcomes included numbers of adverse events and patient fatigue.
Results were similar between the 2 groups. Results suggested that VEM was safe and feasible. The overall efficacy however, requires further testing.
Stroke, 2008, 39, 390-396