Early mobilisation after stroke is important, as people with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores above 4 and below 7 have higher odds of a favourable outcome when they are mobilised frequently for short periods of time (Bernhardt et al., 2016 ). Additionally, safe, independent movement is commonly a priority for survivors of stroke to afford quality of life and future health.  

This learning module is based on the clinical guidelines recommendations on this topic and has been reviewed by physiotherapy experts. It contains practical advice for those assisting survivors with bed mobilisation, ambulation, sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit following a stroke. 

Learning objectives 

• Recall when a survivor of stroke should commence mobilisation if there are no contraindications 
• Recall when people who have difficulty moving after stroke should be assessed as to the most appropriate and safe methods of assisting transfers and out-of-bed activity. 
• Identify actions to take if a person is in pain and is reluctant to move following a stroke.  
• Identify signs of deterioration and exercise intolerance when assisting a person to ambulate.  

Acknowledgements 

Dr Tamina Levy, Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy, Flinders University and Advanced Practitioner Neurological Rehabilitation, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, who reviewed the content for this module. 

We also acknowledge the Clinical Excellence Commission for permitting links to their safe patient mobilisation videos within this module.