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Los Angeles – Stroke patients stand a better chance of recovery when progressive walking exercises are added to their rehabilitation regimen, according to a new study presented at the American Stroke Association’s annual meeting.
Researchers found that incorporating just 30 minutes of structured walking into daily rehab significantly improved patients’ mobility and overall quality of life by the time they were discharged from the hospital.
“Although guidelines recommend structured, progressive exercise after stroke, the uptake of these approaches with sufficient intensity in rehab programs is still lagging,” said lead researcher Janice Eng, a stroke rehabilitation specialist and professor of physical therapy at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
Eng highlighted that using wearable devices to monitor exercise intensity can help stroke patients achieve safe yet effective levels of physical activity crucial for neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to heal and adapt after injury.
The Study
The research involved more than 300 stroke patients across 12 hospitals in Canada. At the start of the study, participants could walk an average of 500 feet in a standard six-minute walk test.
Half of the participants were randomly assigned to incorporate 30 minutes of weight-bearing and walking exercises into their daily rehabilitation. The goal was to achieve up to 2,000 steps of moderate-intensity walking five days a week, gradually increasing activity over time.
By the end of the study, patients who participated in the structured walking exercises improved their walking distance by over 140 feet compared to those who received standard rehabilitation. They also demonstrated better balance, gait speed, and overall mobility.
Real-World Impact
“The first couple of months after a stroke are when the brain has the greatest ability to change,” Eng explained. “Our study shows positive results during this crucial rehabilitation period.”
Beyond proving the benefits of walking in stroke recovery, the study also demonstrated that hospital stroke units could feasibly integrate the exercise regimen into their existing programs.
“This was a very successful real-world trial,” Eng noted.
Dr. Preeti Raghavan, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University, praised the findings, emphasizing the challenges of changing established medical practices.
“The researchers show that this can be implemented in inpatient rehabilitation at a critical period after stroke when the brain is most plastic,” Raghavan said. “The protocol increased endurance and further reduced disability, which is very positive for stroke recovery.”
Looking Ahead
With these promising results, experts hope that more stroke rehabilitation programs will adopt progressive walking exercises as a standard practice to enhance patient outcomes.
For more information, the American Stroke Association provides resources on exercise and stroke recovery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before starting any new rehabilitation program.
