Objective To explore the effect of nursing intervention on cerebral trauma patients in recovery phase. Methods 156 cerebral trauma patients who had more than 6 months course of disease received rehabilitation training and nursing care, and their activities of daily living (ADL) were accessed by modified Barthel index. Results The score of ADL in patients who had course of disease about 6~12 months was lower than patients who had more than 12 months course (P<0.05) before nursing care. The scores improved in both groups after nursing care (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Rehabilitation training and nursing care may facilitate the recovery of ADL of cerebral trauma patients in recovery phase.