Abstract: Objective To observe the effects of early rehabilitation training on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expressionand motor function in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Methods 48 patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomly dividedinto rehabilitation group (n=24) and control group (n=24). The control group accepted routine medication, while the rehabilitation group acceptedearly rehabilitation training in addition. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and the expression of BDNF in serumwas detected before and after treatment. Results The expression of BDNF and the score of FMA increased significantly after treatmentin both groups (P<0.05), but increased more in the rehabilitation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Early rehabilitationtraining can promote the expression of serum BDNF and recovery of motor function in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Key words: cerebral infarction, rehabilitation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, motor function