A recent study highlights the benefits of a progressive-intensity walking rehabilitation program for stroke survivors, suggesting that higher-intensity exercise can improve mobility and quality of life during the critical early recovery phase. Conducted across twelve rehabilitation centers in Canada, the program, dubbed “Walk ‘n Watch,” involved 306 participants who began the protocol roughly one month post-stroke.
The study aimed to encourage participants to achieve 2,000 steps at moderate intensity for 30 minutes during physical therapy sessions, five days a week. Participants were monitored using wearable activity trackers to assess their progress. Results indicated that those engaged in the walking program experienced significant improvements; specifically, they were able to walk an average of 143 feet farther on a six-minute walk test compared to a control group receiving standard care.
Dr. Janice Eng, a co-author of the study and a stroke rehabilitation specialist, emphasized the importance of delivering effective rehabilitation protocols in real-world settings. The Walk ‘n Watch program was designed not only to enhance physical outcomes but also to ensure that frontline therapists were adequately trained to implement the program consistently. This included workshops, manuals, and the appointment of “protocol champions” at each clinic to facilitate ongoing adherence to the new practices.
While advancements in stroke rehabilitation have been made over the years, researchers note that disseminating these best practices remains a challenge. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of higher-intensity rehabilitation methods and their potential for widespread implementation in clinical settings.
