Enhancing Stroke Rehabilitation with High Intensity Gait Training
Introduction:
In the field of rehabilitation following a neurological injury, the importance of gait training cannot be overstated. Gait training plays a crucial role in helping survivors regain their mobility and independence. One approach that has shown promising results in improving gait function is high intensity gait training. In this blog post, we will explore what high intensity gait training is, its principles, and how it can be effectively integrated into the rehabilitation.
What is High Intensity Gait Training?
High intensity gait training is a specialized rehabilitation approach that focuses on challenging patients to perform gait-related activities at a higher cardiovascular and functional intensity than traditional therapy methods. Research since 2005 has shown that HIGT can improve walking speed, endurance, balance, and overall functional mobility in individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, HIGT can enhance cardiovascular fitness and contribute to overall health and well-being.
HIGT involves training individuals to walk at a fast pace or on a treadmill, aiming to achieve a target heart rate range of 70-85% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate (or 60-80% of Heart Rate Reserve). It is crucial to monitor heart rate closely during HIGT and adjust intensity as needed.
Principles of HIGT
Task Specificity
Exercise (walking) that matches the demands of their community mobility goals
High Dosage
High volumes of gait-related activities to enhance neuroplasticity
Progression
Gradually increase challenges and intensity
Feedback
Reduced error correction compared to traditional methods
Resources:
An excellent summary of HIGT & the research findings by Dr. George Hornby:
The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy is a vital resource for those looking to learn more about HIGT. View their document on HIGT subcomponents:
View their website: https://www.neuropt.org/
Conclusion:
In conclusion, high intensity gait training is a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of patients after a neurological injury. By incorporating the principles of high intensity gait training into clinical practice, rehabilitation clinicians can help survivors improve their gait function, regain independence, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Stay tuned for more to come, as we will dive into the specifics of HIGT in future posts
Intro to High Intensity Gait Training (HIGT)