Lightning Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference 2026

Delivering Effective High‑Dose Walking Training After Stroke: Perspectives of Therapists and Adherence of Stroke Survivors (139132)

Avanthi Elisha Ball 1 , Natasha A Lannin 2 3 , Joanne Glinsky 4 5 , Catherine Dean 1 , Laura McCredie 3 , Sharon Kramer 6 , Lauren Christie 7 8 , Kate Scrivener 1 2
  1. Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
  2. Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  3. Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney , NSW, Australia
  5. John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  6. MedTechVic, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, NSW, Australia
  7. Allied Health Research Unit, St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  8. School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background and Aims

A novel high dose, short duration walking training program was delivered three hours daily over three weeks to community-dwelling stroke survivors. The aims of this study were to (1) to explore the acceptability, adherence and exercise dose during the program and (2) examine physiotherapists’ perceptions and delivery of the program.

 

Methods

This study involved intervention participants from a Phase II trial (HiWalk, n=23) and all trial physiotherapists (n=6). Quantitative measures including participant adherence (attendance and exercise count) were summarised descriptively. Qualitative data from stroke participant and therapist semi structured interviews were analysed thematically to explore acceptability and the facilitators and barriers to delivery.

 

Results

Stroke participants had a mean age of 58 years (SD 15), were 3.1 years (SD 2.4) post stroke and had a fast-walking speed of 0.9 m/s (SD 0.4).  Stroke participants attended 91% (SD 13) of program sessions, averaged 567 exercise repetitions per hour (SD 171) and reported the opportunity to attend, alongside being motivated and having support networks facilitated adherence. Physiotherapists were observed to deliver the program as per the protocol and reported training, resources and team collaboration facilitated delivery.

 

Conclusion

High dose, short duration motor training was highly acceptable to stroke survivors who demonstrated strong adherence. Physiotherapists reported training, mentorship and structured resources to prescribe and monitor high dose motor training supported delivery.