Push Stroke Patients Harder for Better Gains in Walking: Study

THURSDAY, Aug. 22, 2019 -- Stroke survivors can recover their walking ability faster through high-intensity step training than with less demanding rehab, a new study suggests.

"Rehabilitation after a stroke traditionally focuses on patients practicing low-intensity walking, usually only in a forward direction, which does not provide enough of a challenge to the nervous system to enable patients to negotiate real-world situations, such as uneven surfaces, stairs or changing direction," explained study author T. George Hornby. He's a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Speed Stroke Recovery With Exercise

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 14, 2019 -- Aerobic exercise significantly improves stroke survivors' endurance and walking ability, researchers report.

They analyzed 19 studies that included nearly 500 stroke survivors, aged 54 to 71, who completed aerobic exercise programs similar in structure to cardiac rehabilitation.

Health Threats Don't End for Some Sepsis Survivors

FRIDAY, Aug. 9, 2019 -- Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that lands its victims in the hospital, but the dangers don't end for survivors who have high levels of inflammation long after being discharged, a new study finds.

"Sepsis is the leading cause of death among hospitalized patients. Patients discharged from the hospital aren't out of the woods yet. Approximately one out of every three sepsis survivors will die in the following year," said study lead author Dr. Sachin Yende. He is a professor of critical care medicine and clinical and translational science at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine.

Living With Repetitive Strain Injury

MONDAY, July 29, 2019 -- Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can affect anyone who uses his or her hands a lot and repeats the same movements over and over again. It can develop whether you're working at a computer all day or spending hours of leisure time immersed in handicrafts.

At first, symptoms -- like pain and tingling -- may go away once you stop the motions or the activity. But without treatment, including lifestyle changes, symptoms are likely to become so severe that you could become unable to continue with your work or hobby.