Fast walking after stroke improves mobility

Stroke survivors who walked fast in a rehabilitation program improved their overall walking ability in a small study at McGill University in Canada, according to Biotech Week. A more intense physical rehabilitation program may enhance stroke survivors' cardiovascular fitness, muscle power, motor coordination, posture, balance, and range of motion. After a stroke, walking is often characterized by a slowed gait and changes in quality and adaptability of walking patterns. Conventional rehabilitation programs focus on treadmill training at slower speeds, reported Biotech Week. Fast walking, in comparison, promotes large muscle activation and strengthens both the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides of the body after a stroke.