Monitoring blood pressure continuously whilst mobilising people after severe stroke

The continuous BP monitoring device prototype has been developed by Monash University engineering. The sensor device consists of: (i) Electrodes and leads: *A multi-point chest electrode (adhered via standard ECG Electrodes) placed in the middle of the sternum (ii) Central processing unit (CPU) *A circuit that generates and receives the signal to and from the chest electrodes (iii) Laptop computer *Used to input the patient’s demographic data, non-invasive arm cuff BP readings, visualise data obtained from the CPU, and host the algorithms used to deduct BP. The participant's BP will be monitored continuously only whilst undertaking mobilising activities within a physiotherapy session (see below). It will be attached when the physiotherapy session commences, and removed when the physiotherapy session concludes (maximum 30 minute session). The device will be attached to the patient via the ECG electrodes by an experienced neurological physiotherapist who has undertaken training with the bio-engineering team. Mobilisation Mobilisation will be undertaken as part of a patient's routine post-stroke physiotherapy care by a qualified physiotherapist. As recommended by published Australian Stroke Guidelines, participants will be mobilised by a physiotherapist by being assisted to roll over in bed, sit up on the edge of the bed, stand up from the bed, stand next to the bed, and walk within their ability. Mobilisation, as per standard practice, will cease when a participant has reached their maximum functional level within the session e.g. if they need maximum assistance to sit on the edge of the bed, the mobilisation session will cease at that time and the patient will be returned to lying down in bed. This is considered standard and 'best practice' in acute care of people following stroke and no change will occur to participants in this study other than the addition of continuous BP monitoring throughout. Mobilisation sessions (as per usual care) typically last for (maximum) 30 minutes per session. Mobilisation sessions (as per usual care) typically occur daily (Monday-Friday). For the trial, participants will engage in a data collection session approximately once every second day for a maximum of 4 sessions. Participants following stroke are typically discharged to subacute care or alternate care or discharged home on average 14 days post-stroke.