A distinct lack of nursing research available on musculoskeletal complications, positioning and early
mobilising stroke patients was unearthed. Also highlighted was the lack of specific nursing guidance and protocols for musculoskeletal complications for the stroke patient being nursed outside the specialist stroke unit, which was surprising as stroke patients are cared for across primary and secondary settings with these complications often witnessed. The majority of stroke positioning research is carried out by
physiotherapists and occupational therapists, so generalization to nurses can be taken with caution until more current research becomes available for determining the most effective positions to enhance stroke patient recovery and avoiding the pitfalls of poor positioning (Figure 3).