Effect of High-Intensity Gait Training in the Acute Care Setting on Length of Stay and Functional Status in Patients with Stroke

Background/Objectives: The feasibility of high-intensity gait training (HIGT) in the acute care setting has only been demonstrated in two studies and its impact on functional status and length of stay (LOS) is not clear. The purpose of the present study was to further examine the impact of HIGT on acute care LOS and change in Activity Measurement for post-acute care (AM-PAC 6-Clicks).

Methods

This was a retrospective medical record review of a cohort of patients in the acute care setting who received HIGT following implementation of a quality improvement project. Historical conventional care patients were identified and matched to the HIGT group using propensity score matching. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effect of group on acute care LOS and change in AM-PAC 6-Clicks.