Intensity of usual care physical therapy during inpatient rehabilitation for people with neurologic diagnoses

BACKGROUND Early, intense rehabilitation is essential to promote recovery after stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, intensity of usual care rehabilitation interventions during inpatient rehabilitation are poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE To describe the intensity of usual care rehabilitation interventions completed during the subacute phase of recovery from neurologic injury. DESIGN Observational. SETTING Inpatient rehabilitation facility. INTERVENTIONS Twenty-two usual care physical therapy interventions were grouped into six categories: gait (four activities), functional (two), strengthening (four), aerobic (six), balance (four), and wheelchair (two). PATIENTS Patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a primary diagnosis of stroke, SCI or TBI within 6 months of injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cardiovascular intensity (physiological and perceived) was recorded during rehabilitation activity sessions. Physiological intensity was assessed by heart rate reserve (HRR) via a Polar A370 Fitness Watch and characterized as very light (