Increasing the Amount and Intensity of Stepping Training During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Improves Locomotor and Non-Locomotor Outcomes

High-intensity locomotor training during inpatient rehabilitation improves the discharge ambulation function of patients with stroke. A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evidence of high-intensity locomotor training on outcomes related to gait and balance for patients with stroke in inpatient rehabilitation.

METHODS

Four databases were searched (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and MedLINE) for articles published prior to 13 June 2023. Studies of adults (>18 years old) with a diagnosis of stroke who received a high-intensity locomotor intervention while admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility were included. A functional outcome in the domain of gait speed, gait endurance, or balance must have been reported. Following the screening of 1052 studies, 43 were selected for full-text review. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using the tool appropriate to the study type. Gait speed, gait endurance, and balance outcome data were extracted for further analysis.

RESULTS

Eight studies were selected with risk of bias ratings as moderate (4), high (2), and low (2). Six studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis (N = 635). A random-effects model analyzed between-group differences. Standard mean differences demonstrated that high-intensity locomotor training produces a moderate effect on gait endurance (0.50) and gait speed (0.41) and a negligible effect on balance (0.08) compared with usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis supports the use of high-intensity locomotor training over usual care for improving gait speed and gait endurance during inpatient post-stroke. Future studies should investigate dose-response relationships of high-intensity locomotor training in this setting.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

#CRD42022341329.

Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing High-Intensity Gait Training in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Methods Study

(1) Background: High-intensity gait training (HIT) is a recommended intervention that improves walking function (e.g., speed and distance) in individuals who are undergoing stroke rehabilitation. This study explored clinicians' perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing HIT utilizing a mixed-methods approach comprising a survey and exploratory qualitative research. (2) Methods: Clinicians (n = 13) who were implementing HIT at three facilities participated. We collected and analyzed data using the consolidated framework for implementation research. Three focus groups were recorded and transcribed, and data were coded and thematically categorized. (3) Results: Survey results identified that the facilitators with a strong impact on implementation were access to knowledge/resources and intervention knowledge/beliefs. The only agreed-upon barrier with a strong impact was lack of tension for change. The focus groups resulted in 87 quotes that were coded into 27 constructs. Frequently cited outer setting facilitators were cosmopolitanism and peer pressure, and the only barrier was related to the patient needs. Innovation characteristics that were facilitators included relative advantage and design quality and packaging, and complexity was a barrier. Inner setting facilitators included networks and communication, learning climate, leadership engagement, and readiness for implementation. However, communication, leadership engagement, and available resources were also barriers. Regarding characteristics of individuals, knowledge and beliefs were both barriers and facilitators. In the implementation process domain, common facilitators were formally appointed implementation leaders and innovation participants. Barriers in this domain were related to the patients. (4) Conclusions: Clinicians identified many barriers and facilitators to implementing HIT that often varied between facilities. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of clinicians' experiences with HIT implementation.

Comparative Efficacy of High-Intensity Training Versus Conventional Training in Individuals With Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of interventions to improve locomotion after acute-onset brain injury, although most focus on patients with stroke, with less attention toward traumatic brain injury (TBI). For example, a number of studies in patients post-stroke have evaluated the effects of high-intensity training (HIT) attempting to maximize stepping practice, while no studies have attempted this intervention in patients with TBI. The purpose of this blinded-assessor randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of HIT focused on stepping practice versus conventional training on walking and secondary outcomes in individuals with TBI. Using a crossover design, ambulatory participants with TBI >6-months duration performed HIT focused on stepping in variable contexts (overground, treadmill, stairs) or conventional training for up to 15 sessions over five weeks, with interventions alternated >4 weeks later. HIT focused on maximizing stepping practice while trying to achieve higher cardiovascular intensities (>70% heart rate reserve), while conventional training focused on impairment-based and functional exercises with no restrictions on intensities achieved. Greater increases in 6-min walk test and peak treadmill speed during graded exercise testing were observed after HIT versus conventional training, with moderate associations between differences in stepping practice and outcomes. Greater gains were also observed in estimates of aerobic capacity and efficiency after HIT, with additional improvements in selected cognitive assessments. The present study suggests that the amount and intensity of stepping practice may be important determinants of improved locomotor outcomes in patients with chronic TBI, with possible secondary benefits on aerobic capacity/efficiency and cognition. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; Unique Identifier: NCT04503473.

Moderate to Vigorous Intensity Locomotor Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Mean Effects and Response Variability

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This meta-analysis quantified mean effects of moderate to vigorous intensity locomotor training (LT mv ) on walking outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke, and the magnitude of variability in LT mv response.

METHODS

Databases were searched for randomized trials comparing LT mv with no intervention, nongait intervention, or low-intensity gait training. Comfortable gait speed (CGS), fastest gait speed (FGS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), walking activity (steps per day), and adverse effect/event (AE) data were extracted. Pooled estimates were calculated for mean changes, AE relative risks, and the standard deviation of response (SD response ) to LT mv versus control groups, stratified by study chronicity where possible.

RESULTS

There were 19 eligible studies (total N = 1096): 14 in chronic stroke (N = 839) and 5 in subacute stroke (N = 257). Compared with control interventions, LT mv yielded significantly greater increases in CGS (chronic, +0.06 m/s [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01-0.10]; subacute, +0.16 [0.12-0.19]; subacute vs chronic, P = 0.03), FGS (chronic, +0.07 m/s [0.02-0.13]; subacute, +0.21 [0.01, 0.41]; P = 0.04), and 6MWT (chronic, +33 m [24-42]; subacute, +51 [26-77]; P = 0.054) but not steps/day (+260 [-1159 to 1679]). There were no treatment-related serious AEs among 398 LT mv participants in 14 AE-reporting studies. SD response estimates indicated substantial response variability: CGS, 0.11 m/s [0.00-0.15]; FGS, 0.14 m/s [-0.00 to 0.20]; and 6MWT, 41 m [27-51].

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

LT mv improves mean walking capacity outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke and does not appear to have high risk of serious harm. Response magnitude varies within and between chronicity subgroups, and few studies have tested effects on daily walking activity or non-serious AEs.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A452 ).

Blood pressure trajectory of inpatient stroke rehabilitation patients from the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial over the first 12 months post-stroke

Background

High blood pressure (BP) is the primary risk factor for recurrent strokes. Despite established clinical guidelines, some stroke survivors exhibit uncontrolled BP over the first 12 months post-stroke. Furthermore, research on BP trajectories in stroke survivors admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals is limited. Exercise is recommended to reduce BP after stroke. However, the effect of high repetition gait training at aerobic intensities (>40% heart rate reserve; HRR) during inpatient rehabilitation on BP is unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of an aerobic gait training intervention on BP trajectory over the first 12 months post-stroke.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE) trial. Participants with stroke admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals were recruited and randomized to usual care (n = 24), DOSE1 (n = 25; >2,000 steps, 40-60% HRR for >30 min/session, 20 sessions over 4 weeks), or DOSE2 (n = 25; additional DOSE1 session/day) groups. Resting BP [systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)] was measured at baseline (inpatient rehabilitation admission), post-intervention (near inpatient discharge), 6- and 12-month post-stroke. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of group and time (weeks post-stroke) on SBP, DBP and hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg; ≥130/80 mmHg, if diabetic), controlling for age, stroke type, and baseline history of hypertension.

Results

No effect of intervention group on SBP, DBP, or hypertension was observed. BP increased from baseline to 12-month post-stroke for SBP (from [mean ± standard deviation] 121.8 ± 15.0 to 131.8 ± 17.8 mmHg) and for DBP (74.4 ± 9.8 to 78.5 ± 10.1 mmHg). The proportion of hypertensive participants increased from 20.8% (n = 15/72) to 32.8% (n = 19/58). These increases in BP were statistically significant: an effect [estimation (95%CI), value of p] of time was observed on SBP [0.19 (0.12-0.26) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], DBP [0.09 (0.05-0.14) mmHg/week, p < 0.001], and hypertension [OR (95%CI): 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.010]. A baseline history of hypertension was associated with higher SBP by 13.45 (8.73-18.17) mmHg, higher DBP by 5.57 (2.02-9.12) mmHg, and 42.22 (6.60-270.08) times the odds of being hypertensive at each timepoint, compared to those without.

Conclusion

Blood pressure increased after inpatient rehabilitation over the first 12 months post-stroke, especially among those with a history of hypertension. The 4-week aerobic gait training intervention did not influence this trajectory.

Intensity Modulated Exoskeleton Gait Training Post Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. While major advances have been made in early intervention for the treatment of patients post stroke, the majority of survivors have residual mobility challenges. Recovery of motor function is dependent on the interrelationship between dosing, intensity, and task specific practice applied during rehabilitation. Robotic exoskeleton (RE) based gait training utilizes progressive repetitive task-oriented movements to promote functional recovery. The purpose of this investigation was to demonstrate the utilization of intensity modulated exoskeleton gait training on functional outcomes and walking speed post stoke. Preliminary data is presented for individuals diagnosed with stroke who received RE gait training. The intensity modulated RE gait training was delivered by a physical therapist and participants trained at 75-85% of calculated max heart rates at each session, over 10 weeks (30 sessions). After 10 weeks of training participants increased walking speed (10 meter walk test) and functional measures (timed up and go, berg balance assessment, dynamic gait index and functional ambulation category). These preliminary results demonstrate the utilization of intensity modulated gait training for improved functional ambulation and motor recovery using a robotic exoskeleton overground gait training post stroke.Clinical Relevance- Preliminary data provides initial evidence for intensity modulated exoskeleton gait training as a therapeutic intervention post stroke. More research is needed to demonstrate the potential relationships between intensity based gait training, exoskeletons and improved functional ambulation in post stroke rehabilitation.