Evidence for your Practice: Neuro rehab timing and intensity to improve functional outcomes for TBI

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Article: Kwakkel, G., van Peppen, R., Wagenaar, R. C., Wood Dauphinee, S., Richards, C., Ashburn, A., ... & Langhorne, P. (2004). Effects of augmented exercise therapy time after stroke: a meta-analysis. stroke, 35(11), 2529-2539.

Study Aim: To systematically review evidence on the effects of timing and intensity of neurorehabilitation on functional recovery and aggregate the available evidence using meta-analytic methods.

Population: Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Key Findings: 

Compared to usual care, there was consistent evidence for a beneficial effect on functional outcome for: 

• early onset neurorehab in the trauma center
• intensive neurorehab in the rehabilitation facility

Bottom Line for OT: To promote improved functional outcomes for patients with TBI, occupational therapists should be delivering early onset and more intensive neurorehabilitation in the chain of care for patients with TBI.

Read the article abstract

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