Newswise — A research team at Emory University presents new research at the 2015 AAP Annual Meeting in San Antonio that suggests that early rehabilitation as well as discharges to acute rehabilitation facilities post stroke can improve neurologic outcomes. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of introducing a physiatrist into an acute stroke team.

"What we do as physiatrists is independent from early mobilization by therapists. It is our ability to anticipate, prevent, identity and treat barriers to rehabilitation that changes patient outcomes," said author Lisa Foster.

There is evidence that suggests that a physiatrist on staff may facilitate a more favorable discharge destination and decrease risk of mortality.

# # #The Association of Academic Physiatrists (AAP) is the only academic association dedicated to the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) in the world. AAP is an organization of leading physicians, researchers, in-training physiatrists, and others involved or interested in leadership, mentorship, and discovery in PM&R. AAP is based in Baltimore, MD. To learn more about the Association and the field of physiatry, visit our site at www.physiatry.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AAPhysiatrists.

The 2015 AAP Annual Meeting will take place in San Antonio, March 10-14, 2015. The AAP Annual Meeting brings together physiatrists and academicians, in-training physiatrists, researchers, and academic PM&R professionals to share the latest information, innovative techniques, best practices, and new technologies. AAP 2015 covers a broad spectrum of cutting edge topics in academic physiatry. The meeting is packed with educational activities including educational sessions, cutting-edge keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and scientific paper presentations along with over 400 poster board presentations showcasing the finest scientific innovations and research. To learn more about the Annual Meeting visit www.physiatry.org/AAP2015.