Background Rebleeding is an important cause of death and disability in patients with aneury-smal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).Although aneurysm ablation as early as possible to prevent rebleeding is the preferred strategy,in clinical practice some patients are still not suitable for surgical treatment or prefer conservative treatments.Total bedrest for four to six weeks had therefore been considered one of the basic interventions to avoid rebleeding in some countries.However,the influence of bedrest on outcome in patients with SAH is not well known.Objectives To demonstrate whether early mobilisation compared with delayed mobilisation in patients with SAH,who have not had or could not have any surgical treatment for the aneurysm,will increase the proportion of deaths from rebleeding.Methods We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (May 2012),the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012,Issue 6),the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (May 2012),MEDLINE (1950 to June 2012),EMBASE (1980 to June 2012),Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to May 2012),CINAHL (1982 to June 2012),AMED (1985 to June 2012),PEDro (May 2012),REHABDATA (May 2012) and CIRRIE Database of International Rehabilitation Research (May 2012).In addition,we searched five Chinese databases,ongoing trials registers and relevant reference lists.Results In the absence of any suitable RCTs in this area,we were unable to perform a meta-analysis.Data from recent observational studies suggested the period of greatest risk for rebleeding occurs more frequently in the earlier period,especially within 24 hours.The impact of bedrest in the modern era of aneurysm care should be clarified.Conclusions There are neither RCTs nor controlled trials for or against staying in bed for at least four weeks after symptom onset in patients with aneurysmal SAH,who have not had or could not have any surgical treatment for the aneurysm.Treatment strategies to reduce the risk of rebleeding in SAH patients before aneurysm ablation,or in those not suitable for surgical treatment or who prefer conservative treatments,deserve attention.