Impact of More Frequent PT Services

The purpose of this study is to determine what amount of physical therapy is beneficial in the hospital setting after suffering a stroke. This study involves research. The investigators propose to enroll 150 individuals with acute stroke admitted to MUSC over the next 12 months and randomize them into increased frequency and usual care PT treatment groups. This study will be designed as a randomized control trial. If a patient agrees to participate, they will be assigned (at random) to either a treatment group which will receive more frequent therapy services or to the control group which will receive the "standard" amount of therapy services currently provided in the hospital setting (\~3-5 times per week). By studying the balance, walking and success of patients in the treatment group compared with the control group- the researchers hope to better understand the effect of more frequent physical therapy services on your independence post stroke.