We investigated motor paralysis and gait ability and the dates of symptom progression in patients with branch atheromatous disease (BAD) to evaluate the validity of the criteria used to judge when to start rehabilitation in cerebral infarction. [Subjects] We studied 12 patients with BAD. [Methods] Patients were categorized into progression and non-progression groups. We investigated the Brunnstrom stage of the lower extremity and modified Rankin Scale(mRS) at admission and discharge and the

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... ability at discharge. In the progression group we noted the dates of symptom progression and the Brunnstrom stages of the lower extremity on these dates. [Results] The Brunnstrom stage of the lower extremity in the progression group was improved at discharge but progressed within a few days after rehabilitation started in three patients. None of the patients in either group was unable to walk at the time of discharge. In the progression group, symptoms progressed within 4 days after admission. Good prognosis at discharge (mRS score of 0 or 2) was observed in two patients. [Conclusion] Use of these criteria to time the start of rehabilitation gave improvements in motor function through safe rehabilitation and early mobilization.