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How to Improve Gait After a Stroke

You recently had a stroke. The doctor gave you what you consider good news--tests indicate that you have suffered little or no mental impairment.

However, you are not walking well. You are not alone. About two-thirds of surviving patients struggle to walk right after suffering a stroke and 30 percent cannot walk without assistance six months later.

Don't get discouraged. There are numerous studies that indicate you can improve your walking gait after a stroke. Many of them recommend using a treadmill.

An April 1, 2008 press release issued by the Baylor (Texas) Institute for Rehabilitation reported that all stroke patients who used a treadmill outfitted with a harness improved their gait and were able to walk without a cane after a period of time that varied according to their condition.

In a study conducted at the University of Maryland and Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, patients who used a treadmill improved their walking more than patients who used other methods of exercise.

Things You'll Need

  • Specialized treadmill with a harness
  • Physical therapist
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Instructions

  1. Physical Therapist

    • 1

      Ask the doctors that treated you whether you can resume physical exercise.

    • 2

      Ask your doctors to recommend physical therapists who have worked with stroke patients.

    • 3

      Interview physical therapists. Make sure you can work together. Ask them if they pressure people to exercise more or urge them to slow down when they are struggling. Select someone whose philosophy matches your personality.

    • 4

      After selecting a therapist, work with him on a schedule, including times, days and places.

    Treadmill

    • 5

      Find a specialized treadmill outfitted with a harness, recommends the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation.

    • 6

      Ask your physical therapist to set the harness up so it supports a large portion of your body weight. You are using "locomotor treadmill training with partial body weight support."

    • 7

      Walk slowly on the treadmill for a few minutes. There are no specific recommendations for speed or duration because every patient is in different physical condition.

    • 8

      Walk faster and longer as your condition improves.

    • 9

      As your condition improves, reset the treadmill so the harness supports less weight. Eventually, you should walk on your own without a harness.

    • 10

      Walk on the treadmill until your gait is completely normal. The researchers at Baylor University reported that some patients could walk normally within three weeks. Others used the treadmill for six months.

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