Individual vs Co-Treatment in Acute Stroke Rehabilitation and Evaluation

Individual and co-treatment are both widely used to deliver physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) for patients admitted to the hospital for acute stroke. Studies have shown that patients with stroke who participate in hospital PT and OT have improved function upon discharge. However, there is a lack of evidence informing which patients are best suited for individual versus co-treatment, or which delivery method more effectively improves functional outcomes.

This gap in knowledge presents a unique opportunity to advance stroke rehabilitation. This study aims to compare the two approaches and their resulting functional outcomes through a randomized trial-an approach never previously undertaken-to determine whether individual or co-treatment leads to better patient recovery. The findings have the potential to optimize rehabilitation and the delivery of PT and OT for future patients with acute stroke.

Inclusion criteria

• Inpatient admission to the neurology stroke service AND
• Orders placed for both PT and OT within 96 hours of hospital admission

Exclusion criteria

• Patient is known to be <18 years
• Patient is known to be a prisoner
• Patient is known to be pregnant
• Prior evaluation or treatment by PT and/or OT while admitted under the stroke service before study enrollment
• Clinician determines that either individual PT and OT or co-treatment is required or contraindicated for the optimal care of the patient