Early Physical Activity and Discharge Destination after Stroke: A Comparison of Acute and Comprehensive Stroke Unit Care

Background. Common models of acute stroke care include the acute stroke unit, focusing on acute management, and the comprehensive stroke unit, incorporating acute care and rehabilitation. We hypothesise that the rehabilitation focus in the comprehensive stroke unit promotes early physical activity and discharge directly home. Methods. We conducted a two-centre prospective observational study of patients admitted to a comprehensive or acute stroke unit within 14 days poststroke. We recruited 73 patients from each site, matched on age, stroke severity, premorbid function, and walking ability. Patient activity was measured using behavioural mapping. Therapy activity was recorded by therapist report. Time to first mobilisation, discharge destination, and length of stay were extracted from the medical record. Results. The comprehensive stroke unit group included more males, fewer partial anterior circulation infarcts, more lacunar infarcts, and more patients ambulant without aids prior to their stroke. Patients in the comprehensive stroke unit spent 14.4% more (95% CI: 8.9%–19.8%; P < 0.001) of the day in moderate or high activity, 18.5% less time physically inactive (95% CI: 5.0%–32.0%; P = 0.008), and were more likely to be discharged directly home (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.4–9.5; P = 0.007). Conclusions. Comprehensive stroke unit care may foster early physical activity, with likely discharge directly home.