Clinical Outcomes of Phased Rehabilitation Nursing Combined With Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Patients With Acute Cerebral Infarction

Abstract

Background: This study retrospectively analysed the clinical outcomes of phased rehabilitation nursing combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression and neurological deficit severity in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI).

Methods: This study employed a retrospective analysis. A total of 399 patients with cerebral infarction admitted between January 2023 and December 2025 were enrolled. Based on previous nursing practices, the subjects were divided into a traditional nursing group (n = 199) and a phased nursing group (n = 200). The traditional nursing group received conventional care, whereas the phased nursing group received phased rehabilitation care combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction psychological care. Intergroup differences in nursing satisfaction were analysed, and comparisons of Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores, motor function, neurological function, activities of daily living and quality of life were conducted between the two groups at baseline and 3 months after nursing measures.

Results: The phased nursing group demonstrated higher nursing satisfaction than the traditional nursing group (p < 0.05). After 3 months of nursing care, the phased nursing group exhibited lower scores on the somatisation and affective dimensions of the BDI-II scale than the traditional nursing group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the phased nursing group demonstrated higher scores on the functional motor scale, Barthel index, and stroke-specific quality of life than the traditional care group while exhibiting lower scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (p < 0.05). 

Conclusions: The application of phased rehabilitation nursing combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction in patients with ACI significantly improves depressive symptoms, enhances motor function, reduces neurological deficits and ultimately boosts adaptive daily living activities and overall quality of life. This approach plays a crucial role in promoting comprehensive recovery.