The Critical Period in Stroke Recovery: The Impacts of Early Physical Therapy
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
42
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Biomedical Science
Keywords
Stroke, Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Recovery
Abstract
Strokes are the leading cause of long term disability in the United States, with recovery outcomes of a stroke varying widely depending on the timing and quality of rehabilitation provided. Evidence suggests that a critical neuroplasticity window is within 48-72 hours after a stroke's onset. This window may offer the most potential in recovery outcomes, however clinical guidelines are inconsistent in giving a timeline for stroke rehabilitation initiation. There are conflicting views and findings regarding early mobilization following a stroke. Some research points towards early initiation of rehabilitation enhancing recovery outcomes, while others caution away from early movement and activity, specifically in patients who have suffered from severe strokes. These discrepancies highlight why evaluation of existing evidence can further the understanding of rehabilitation initiation and how it can impact the recovery outcomes of varying stroke survivors.
This project conducts a systematic meta-analysis to evaluate if early initiation of physical therapy leads to better recovery outcomes compared to standard or delayed rehabilitation. Peer-reviewed studies will be chosen using the PRISMA guidelines and analyzed for stroke type, severity, timing of therapy initiation, and recovery outcomes. By synthesizing findings across diverse populations in clinical contexts this study aims to clarify the optimal time to begin rehabilitation following a stroke to achieve the best recovery outcomes, as well as any other influences that may improve rehabilitation outcomes. Understanding the relationship between rehabilitation timing and recovery outcomes has the potential to improve stroke care outcomes.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Price Blair, PhD Leah Stevens, MEd Allison B. Jablonski, PhD
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Westover Honors School of Science School of Science & Westover Honors
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The Critical Period in Stroke Recovery: The Impacts of Early Physical Therapy
Turner Gymnasium
Strokes are the leading cause of long term disability in the United States, with recovery outcomes of a stroke varying widely depending on the timing and quality of rehabilitation provided. Evidence suggests that a critical neuroplasticity window is within 48-72 hours after a stroke's onset. This window may offer the most potential in recovery outcomes, however clinical guidelines are inconsistent in giving a timeline for stroke rehabilitation initiation. There are conflicting views and findings regarding early mobilization following a stroke. Some research points towards early initiation of rehabilitation enhancing recovery outcomes, while others caution away from early movement and activity, specifically in patients who have suffered from severe strokes. These discrepancies highlight why evaluation of existing evidence can further the understanding of rehabilitation initiation and how it can impact the recovery outcomes of varying stroke survivors.
This project conducts a systematic meta-analysis to evaluate if early initiation of physical therapy leads to better recovery outcomes compared to standard or delayed rehabilitation. Peer-reviewed studies will be chosen using the PRISMA guidelines and analyzed for stroke type, severity, timing of therapy initiation, and recovery outcomes. By synthesizing findings across diverse populations in clinical contexts this study aims to clarify the optimal time to begin rehabilitation following a stroke to achieve the best recovery outcomes, as well as any other influences that may improve rehabilitation outcomes. Understanding the relationship between rehabilitation timing and recovery outcomes has the potential to improve stroke care outcomes.