Implementation of High Intensity Gait Training in a Patient Post-Hemorrhagic Stroke

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Multiple clinical practice guidelines recommend task-specific practice and high-intensity gait training for physical therapy intervention in stroke populations. The purpose of this case report is to describe how components of task-specific practice and high-intensity gait training were utilized in an inpatient rehabilitation setting following stroke. Case Description: The patient was a 54-year-old female admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation 16 days post-hemorrhagic stroke. Upon admission she presented with left hemiparesis and absent sensation. Intervention: Physical therapy sessions were centered on gait training utilizing a combination of overground and treadmill training, with and without body weight support. Outcomes: The primary outcome measures utilized with this patient were the Berg Balance Scale and the Six-Minute Walk Test. The patient’s Berg Balance score increased from 4 points at initial evaluation to 10 points at discharge. Discussion: This case report demonstrates how a patient was able to regain walking ability and independence with transfers with the implementation of task-specific gait training based on high-intensity gait training.