Categories of stroke patients.
| Category | Aim | Criteria of patients | Indications for category | Modalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start mobilization as soon as patient’s medical condition is stable | Acutely ill Unstable Requires life-support equipment such as mechanical ventilator | Comatose patients Patients tolerate bed activities but have marked weakness. Limited activity tolerance Inability to ambulate Patients are alert, but have altered mental status | Positioning Passive proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation Splinting Transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation Rolling (side to side, side to sitting) Sitting balance |
| 2 | Stimulate standing and walking activities while maintaining patient safety measures | Stable Cooperative patient Still on mechanical ventilation | Patient able to follow simple commands Patient’s medical condition allows participation in therapy | Standing with a walker and assistance Standing balance Weight shift Steps in place Side steps along the bed Transfer to chair |
| 3 | To master transfer abilities and start a progressive walking program to increase endurance | Cooperative patient Patient weans from mechanical ventilation | Patients able to tolerate limited walking with a walker and assistance Some patients may be able to walk but still have difficulties | Walking with support Walking without support Resistive muscle training Techniques to increase inspiratory rate Techniques to increase expiratory flow rate |