Higher-Intensity Walking Program Boosts Stroke Recovery, Study Shows
In a groundbreaking study across twelve Canadian stroke rehabilitation centers, researchers found that progressive-intensity walking significantly improved mobility and quality of life for stroke survivors compared to standard care.
Nurse helps elderly woman walk
The study focused on the critical three-month window following a stroke when the brain's neuroplasticity is highest, maximizing potential recovery. While higher-intensity exercise has shown better outcomes, implementation across clinics has remained inconsistent.
The Walk 'n Watch protocol, combining progressive walking exercises with wearable activity trackers, was tested on 306 participants (average age 68) one month post-stroke. The program targeted 2,000 steps at moderate intensity for 30 minutes during daily physical therapy sessions.
Key findings after four weeks:
- Participants walked 143 feet further than the control group in the six-minute walk test
- Significant improvements in balance, mobility, and gait speed
- Enhanced quality of life measures lasting up to one year
- Successful implementation across multiple real-world clinical settings
The researchers achieved successful implementation through:
- Comprehensive training for frontline therapists
- Educational materials including workshops, videos, and manuals
- Weekly meetings led by designated "protocol champions"
- Practical hands-on training
Dr. Janice Eng, study co-author and professor at the University of British Columbia, emphasized that while higher therapy intensity has long been known to improve walking outcomes, implementing these practices in real-world settings has been challenging. This study demonstrates that evidence-based protocols can be successfully integrated into clinical practice.
The research will be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025, with findings currently considered preliminary pending peer review.
This study's significance lies not only in its positive outcomes for stroke survivors but also in proving that advanced rehabilitation protocols can be effectively implemented in everyday clinical settings, potentially transforming standard stroke rehabilitation practices across healthcare facilities.
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