Early Mobilisation Post-Thrombolysis is Safe and Improves Outcomes in Mild-Moderate Acute-Stroke Patients

Background Thrombolysis (tPA) is the delivery of a clot-lysing agent used in acute ischemic stroke, typically followed by ≥24-hour bed rest. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of early mobilisation (≤24 hours post-tPA) versus ≥24-hour bed rest in patients with mild-moderate stroke. Methods A literature review was conducted leading to the development of an early mobilisation protocol post-tPA. Retrospective (January-July 2023: pre-early mobilisation protocol) and prospective (July 2023-April 2024: post-early mobilisation protocol) data were analysed. Baseline demographics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Primary outcome was physical function (Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects, length of stay (LOS) and discharge destination. Results 11 patients met the criteria for early mobilisation in both groups. There were no significant differences in age, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) pre-tPA and mRS at baseline between the two groups (p>0.05). 8 patients in the early mobilisation protocol were male (72.73%), the median (IQR) age was 61 (54-78) years, and NIHSS was 6 (3-8) pre-tPA and 1 (0-2) post-tPA. Patients had a median (IQR) mRS score of 0 (0-0) pre-stroke and time to early mobilisation was 12 (12-17) hours. Patients in the early mobilisation group had significantly lower mRS on discharge (p=0.007), shorter LOS (Median (IQR) 5 (4-7) days, P=0.13) and higher rates of discharge directly home compared to those mobilised post ≥24-hour bed rest. No adverse effects of early mobilisation occurred. Conclusion Compared with 24-hour bed rest, early mobilisation for mild-moderate stroke patients was safe and associated with significantly better physical function.