IMPACT OF EARLY POST STROKE REHABILITATION PROGRAM ON NEUROLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME

Abstract

Stroke is a common cause of death and long-term disability with varied and unpredictable outcome if not managed rapidly and in correct manner, so it requires acute phase treatments with intensive rehabilitation therapy. Stroke rehabilitation is a complex process that aims to facilitation of adaptive learning to maximize the functional independence, effective rehabilitation interventions initiated early after stroke can enhance the recovery process and minimize functional disability which leads to higher quality of life and social productivity. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the impact of early post stroke rehabilitation program on neurological and functional outcome. Patients and Methods: Quasi-experimental research design was conducted in both neurology department (stroke unit) and outpatient department (neurology clinic) at Mansoura University Hospital. A purposive sample of 100 adult patients of both sexes with cerebrovascular stroke, who corresponded to inclusion criteria were assigned into two equal groups, early rehab (study) group and late rehab (control) group. Results: the results indicates, early post stroke rehabilitation program (after one week) enhances neurological and functional recovery, among early rehab group comparing to late rehab group. Close correlation between neurological and functional recovery. Conclusion: Early post stroke rehabilitation program have a significant positive impact on patient's neurological and functional recovery. In addition, neurological recovery significantly correlates to functional recovery.