2014 15th European Congress of Trauma & Emergency Surgery : A more intensive physiotherapy program improves physical function for trauma patients

An unspecified number of trauma patients were randomized to undergo either an intensive or usual physical therapy regimen. The purpose of this study was to compare these two rehabilitation approaches with respect to short-term physical function, patient satisfaction and length of stay. Upon completion of the study, the more intensive physical therapy regimen was found to yield significantly greater physical function on days 3 and 5 post-admission, as well as higher levels of patient satisfaction, when compared to usual physical therapy care. Additionally, both rehabilitation and total lengths of stay were shorter in the intensive physical therapy group.