Impact of early mobilization and rehabilitation on global functional outcome one year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of early mobilization and rehabilitation on global functional outcome one year after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

METHODS: Prospective, controlled, interventional study comprising patients managed in the neuro-intermediate ward following repair of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Patients in the Control group (n = 76) received standard treatment, whereas those in the Early Rehab group (n = 92) in addition underwent early mobilization and rehabilitation. Demographic, clinical and intervention data were registered. Global functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale and the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended.

RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar in their demographic and clinical characteristics. Early Rehab group patients were mobilized more quickly (p < 0.001), median 1.4 days (range 0-23 days) after aneurysm repair. After 1 year, 47% of the patients had made a good recovery, whereas 6.5% had died. Regression analysis did not reveal any significant effect of early rehabilitation on functional outcome. However, in poor-grade patients, early rehabilitation more than doubled the chance of a favourable outcome (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33; confidence interval 1.04-5.2, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION: Early mobilization and rehabilitation probably increases the chance of a good functional outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients.