Recent clinical trials have made note of an effective post therapy for stroke afflicted patients. The short-term therapy has been evaluated on patients who have suffered from a stroke.

The findings of the study were published in the Stroke journal. Medical researchers invited 61 men and women with persistent walking conditions to participate in the trial. The subjects included patients who suffered from six months to 10 years of walking problems subsequent to their stroke.

Half of the subjects were assigned to a training program. The three times a week fitness regimen consisted of 40-minute treadmill sessions. Every two weeks, the intensity and span of the treadmill exercise was increased. If the patient was unable to maintain the speed, the demand was not significantly increased.

Other participants were assigned to conduct traditional post-stroke exercises. The normal post stroke fitness program consisted of 25-35 minutes of stretching proceeded by five minutes of treadmill walking. The pace is maintained at a constant speed.

The researchers noted significant differences between the intensive treadmill program and the traditional treadmill program following a stroke. The patients who followed a rigorous regimen reported more than a 50 percent walking improvement compared to only a 12 percent enhancement in the traditional therapy group.

The underlining findings of the study showed that longer spans of rehabilitation could substantially benefit patients recovering from a stroke. At present date, although there are not any clearly defined guidelines stroke rehabilitation generally lasts only the first few weeks. It involves moderate physical exertion and concentrates on familiarizing the patient with regular everyday tasks.

In summation, the findings of the clinical trial showed that extended therapy with progressive intensity is more advantageous stroke rehabilitation.