Transforming Stroke Care with Cardiac Rehab: Saving Lives, Optimizing Recovery, and Driving Change in Policy-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The panel discussion focused on the critical role of aerobic exercise in stroke rehabilitation, featuring experts Dr. Susan Linder, Dr. Sandy Billinger, and Dr. Talia Fleming. Dr. Linder, a physical therapist with a research focus on aerobic exercise and neuroplasticity, introduced the discussion, emphasizing the potential benefits of exercise in stroke recovery. Dr. Billinger explored the barriers to prescribing exercise in clinical settings, citing challenges such as inconsistencies in prescribing exercise, safety concerns, and health system readiness. She highlighted that while aerobic exercise improves endurance and cardiovascular health, therapists often cite a lack of equipment, knowledge, and time as barriers to implementation. Dr. Billinger presented evidence supporting the efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIT) in improving walking outcomes and fitness in stroke recovery, suggesting further investigation into its neurological and vascular impacts.<br /><br />Dr. Fleming highlighted a modified cardiac rehabilitation program tailored for stroke survivors. Despite stroke patients presenting challenges different from heart patients, such as weakened motor skills and cognitive issues, the program broke ground by demonstrating feasibility and substantial health benefits, including improved exercise capacity and reduced mortality. The program’s promise was underscored by improved functional outcomes via a tailored approach combining traditional therapies with cardiovascular training. Both Dr. Fleming and Dr. Cucurulo advocated for Medicare and Medicaid to cover such programs, which successfully reduce mortality and re-hospitalization while improving stroke recovery. Their efforts aim to extend this innovative rehabilitation model to other facilities, advocating for policy changes and greater accessibility to localized stroke recovery programs.

Keywords

aerobic exercise

stroke rehabilitation

neuroplasticity

exercise barriers

high-intensity interval training

walking outcomes

cardiac rehabilitation

stroke survivors

functional outcomes

Medicare coverage

policy changes