When Should Physical Rehabilitation Commence after Stroke: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Knowing when to commence physical rehabilitation after stroke is important to ensure optimal benefit for stroke survivors and efficient health care. The aims of this review were to: determine the effects on mortality, function and complications when physical rehabilitation commences ‘early’ (within seven days of stroke); and describe the effects of early transfer to rehabilitation wards/hospitals when sustained rehabilitation is unavailable in acute stroke units. Review summary From 3751 potential articles we included 5 randomized controlled trials and 38 cohort studies. Meta-analysis was performed with 3 randomized controlled trials involving 159 people to investigate the effects of commencing physical rehabilitation within 24 h of stroke compared to 48 h. Commencing physical rehabilitation within 24 h trended towards greater mortality (Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio 2·58; 95% confidence interval 0·98 to 6·79, P = 0·06), with no differences in complications or health outcomes. The cohort studies provided evidence of benefits when physical rehabilitation was commenced on the day of admission ( n = 1), within 3 days of stroke ( n = 3), or ‘sooner rather than later’ (3 of 4 studies). The effect of earlier transfer to rehabilitation was reported in 32 cohort studies. In 23/26 (88%) cohort studies that accounted for age and stroke severity, results favored earlier transfer for improving post-stroke function, with no consensus on timeframes. Conclusion In summary, the benefits of commencing physical rehabilitation within 24 h of stroke remain unclear from the current literature. Commencing physical rehabilitation or transferring to rehabilitation services ‘early’ may provide better functional outcomes.