Herk De Stad

Researchers are evaluating the BOOST GAIT program to improve walking and functional mobility in patients recovering from a stroke who have some ability to walk and are undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. This pilot study aims to assess whether augmented therapeutic exercises can help patients achieve a more normal walking pattern. The study also seeks to understand recruitment and dropout rates, barriers to therapy adherence, and the reliability of sensor-based motion tracking during walking and related tasks in stroke patients. Participants will receive the BOOST GAIT program in addition to their usual care. This program lasts four weeks and includes one-hour group therapy sessions five times per week, led by two physiotherapists and involving four patients. The therapy focuses on mobility exercises such as sit-to-stand transfers, standing, stepping, and walking, with the goal of improving symmetry and safe walking through targeted motor control of the affected leg. During the study, participants will be assessed using clinical scales and motion sensors to measure walking quality and performance in daily activities like standing up from a chair. These evaluations occur at the start and end of the four-week program, with some sensor measurements repeated on consecutive days to assess reliability. Researchers will monitor outcomes including gait speed, balance, motor function, smoothness of movement, and walking parameters to evaluate the programs impact on functional mobility.