Frequency vs Error Augmentation Training in Acute Physical Therapy Post Stroke

The Department of Physical Therapy in conjunction with the Comprehensive Stroke Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) seeks support for developing an evidence-based approach for the mobilization of patients within the first 24 hours of admission for an acute stroke and for increasing the frequency and intensity of acute PT services while inpatient. This evidence will prepare physical therapists and guide practice in the delivery of acute stroke mobilization in the hospital setting to optimize length of stay, disposition planning, and enhance long term recovery outcomes. This research hopes to challenge the clinical paradigm regarding the possibility of decreased functional outcomes with early mobilization post stroke. The investigators acknowledge that acute stroke patients may not be able to tolerate an extensive early mobility program but may benefit from shorter more frequent sessions of therapy early in their recovery. Throughout the literature, there are clinical practice guidelines for both the inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient therapy sectors and post stroke recovery. Little is known about the contribution of therapy services in the acute hospital setting and therapy's impact on long term functional gains. This study will compare outcomes (AM-PAC, PASS, length of stay and post discharge mRS) across four groups- 1) standard of care 2) increased frequency 3) increased intensity 4) combined increased frequency and intensity. The goal of this project is to determine the appropriate dosage of post stroke mobility in the acute care hospital setting.