Physical therapy consult evaluations progressively increased
to 100% within the first 24 to 48 hours of admission with the
implementation of the TBI protocol (Figure 2). Patients received an
intensive and comprehensive physical therapy program on a consistent
basis during their hospital admission. Te intensive physical therapy
program provided the opportunity for patients to gait train and
ambulate twice daily in the physical therapy department, as well as on
an every two-hour basis on the unit, which enhanced physical strength
and independence and promoted regulation of physiologic balance and
sleep-wake cycles.