Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in the world. More than 795,000 people per year have a stroke in the United States. High intensity gait training has emerged as treatment option that leads to significant gains in walking speed and balance. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the treatment of an acute stroke and implementation of high intensity gait training in the acute care setting. Case Description: The patient is a 45-year-old male who was admitted to an acute care hospital following a left sided embolic stroke. An MRI confirmed 3 small embolic strokes of the left internal capsule, occipital lobe and right cerebellum. On initial evaluation, his right upper extremity was completely flaccid and right lower extremity exhibited 1/5 strength. Interventions: Physical therapy was originally focused on functional strength and preventing secondary complications. As discharge options began to change, physical therapy began to implement a high intensity gait training protocol focused on improving gait speed and balance over the first 3 weeks of an acute care hospital admission. Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes used in this case report were the Tinetti Balance & Gait Assessment and fastest gait speed. A secondary outcome was ambulation distance and assistive device required. The patient’s Tinetti score improved from 7/28 to 21/28, gait speed improved from .78 m/s to .93 m/s and ambulation distance improved from 5 feet to 700 feet. Discussion: This case report demonstrates an example of the positive outcomes seen following AFO use and implementation of progressive gait training in the acute care setting.
Dissertation
Treatment of a left sided embolic stroke using progressive gait training in the acute care setting: A Case Report
University of Iowa
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
Autumn 2022
Free to read and download, Open Access
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Treatment of a left sided embolic stroke using progressive gait training in the acute care setting: A Case Report
- Creators
- Jacob Carey - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Laura Frey-Law (Advisor) - University of IowaMichael Petrie (Advisor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Case Report
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) , University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2022
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 9 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Jacob Carey
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Case Reports
- Record Identifier
- 9984560251902771
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