Ever wonder if we’re doing enough to support residents walking after stroke? With more than 12 million new cases worldwide each year, stroke remains one of the top causes of long-term disability. And when it comes to recovery, independence in walking consistently ranks among the highest priorities—not only for residents themselves, but also for their caregivers and clinicians.

The trouble is, even though clinical guidelines support walking after stroke, real-world rehab practices are slow to catch up. Activity levels in stroke units often remain lower than ideal. But there’s good news. A recent study tested a progressive walking protocol called “Walk ‘n Watch” and found that it led to meaningful improvements in walking endurance for individuals recovering from subacute stroke.

This structured program begins with a 6-Minute Walk Test to measure baseline distance, followed by weekly step goals that progress through week one, two, and four. Specific exercises are tailored by the therapist based on the resident’s condition and potential. The approach is flexible, yet goal-driven—and the outcomes are hard to ignore.

According to this summary from ScienceDirect, therapists using the Walk ‘n Watch protocol saw better results in gait speed, endurance, and balance. Another detailed review from the National Library of Medicine (PMC) highlights how increased therapy intensity made a significant difference across multiple Canadian rehab sites. And Medscape recently emphasized how structured walking programs can boost both cognition and quality of life during stroke recovery.

So here’s a question worth asking at your next clinical meeting: Are we doing enough to support walking after stroke? Are our therapists current on these proven strategies? The benefits of improving mobility go far beyond physical strength—they touch nearly every part of a resident’s daily life. That’s something worth stepping toward.

Stay well and stay informed!