Implementation of increased physical therapy intensity for improving walking after stroke: Walk 'n watch protocol for a multisite stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Clinical practice guidelines support structured, progressive protocols for improving walking after stroke. Yet, practice is slow to change, evidenced by the little amount of walking activity in stroke rehabilitation units. Our recent study (n = 75) found that a structured, progressive protocol integrated with typical daily physical therapy improved walking and quality-of-life measures over usual care. Research therapists progressed the intensity of exercise by using heart rate and step counters worn by the participants with stroke during therapy. To have the greatest impact, our next step is to undertake an implementation trial to change practice across stroke units where we enable the entire unit to use the protocol as part of standard of care.

Aims

What is the ef

SUBMITTER: Peters S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9806455 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature