Objective To improve the compliance with and effect of early active exercise in patients with cerebral infarction. Methods Totally, 201 hospitalized patients with acute cerebral infarction were divided into a control group of 98 and an intervention group of 103 according to the admission time. The control group was given routine treatment and rehabilitation training, while the intervention group utilized nurse-designed footpath for walking training for 15-45 min, twice a day. The effect was evaluated after 2 consecutive weeks. Results The intervention group had higher compliance with active exercise, lower-extremity motor function and Barthel Index score, whereas lower HAMD score compared with the control group (P＜0.01 for all). No falls occurred in both groups. Conclusion The footpath for hemiplegia is reasonable, which can improve the compliance with and effect of early activeexercise in patients with cerebral infarction.