Embedding an enriched environment in an acute stroke unit increases activity in people with stroke: a controlled before-after pilot study.

Objectives: To determine whether an enriched environment embedded in an acute stroke unit could increase activity levels in acute stroke patients and reduce adverse events.

Design: Controlled before-after pilot study.

Setting: An acute stroke unit in a regional Australian hospital.

The effect of an enriched environment on activity levels in people with stroke in an acute stroke unit: protocol for a before-after pilot study.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines advocate engaging stroke survivors in as much activity as possible early after stroke. One approach found to increase activity levels during inpatient rehabilitation incorporated an enriched environment (EE), whereby physical, cognitive, and social activity was enhanced. The effect of an EE in an acute stroke unit (ASU) has yet not been explored.