Background: Early mobilization started within 48 hours post stroke increases the odds of favourable outcome in mild to moderate stroke. However optimal intervention strategy is still unclear.
Aim: We aimed to investigate of best combination of different mobilization components, including frequency, duration, and intensity, for optimizing early mobilization after stroke.
Methods: Sixty-three ischeamic stroke patients within 48 hours of onset were included in the study. An L9 (33) orthogonal design that presents 9 experiment groups was used. Patients in these groups randomly received 9 different combinations of frequency, duration, and intensity. Patients were assessed at discharge and 1 month after discharge using Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and 10-minute walk test (10MWT). The range analysis method was used to obtain the optimum combination of levels. Multifactor ANOVA was used to analyze the statistical significance.
Results: According to the results of range analysis, the excellent combinations for each outcome at the two measurement times were different. However, D3I2F3 (duration: 20 minutes, intensity: moderate, frequency: 3 times/day) was reported for both FAC and 10MWT results at 1 month after discharge. F3I2D2 (frequency: 3 times/day, intensity: moderate, duration: 15 minutes) was an excellent combination for mRS. Results of Multifactor ANOVA were consistent with the range analysis. It has indicated that duration was the most effective factor for gait (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Moderate intensity, high frequency early mobilization programs might improve gait function and disability after stroke. We are currently conducting a randomised-controlled trial to verify the effectiveness of the program.