High intensity therapy improved functional outcomes
High intensity therapy or HIT is a relatively new therapeutic regiment that helps improve functional outcomes among those with neurological disabilities resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, partial spinal cord injury, or other related injuries and diseases. One of the main goals of our HIT program is to help patients regain their ability to walk.
HIT is an intensive individualized rehabilitation program that involves walking or stepping that is vigorous enough to keep a patient’s heart rate over a certain target level and has been found to improve walking-related outcomes, such as walking quality and symmetry, as well as balance and transfers.
High intensity therapy vs. traditional therapy
Neurologic patients who are able to participate in a HIT program rather than traditional therapy have increased functional outcomes and improved quality of life.
Benefits of HIT:
Decreased risk for falls
- Increased independence
- Increased life expectancy
- Decreased length of hospital stay
- Increased likelihood of discharge to home
Qualifying for high intensity therapy
Eligible patients are identified through evaluations with their physician and therapist. Any patient with a chance of walking is determined to be eligible, provided there are no medical contraindications and activities are customized based on the person’s impairment.
Even though, HIT is a more physically rigorous rehabilitative process, it is completely safe as patients are closely monitored by our highly trained clinicians to ensure their well-being and minimize any potential risks.
Why choose us
MedStar Health offers the HIT program at two of our hospitals.
MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital - Washington, D.C.
Recognized as one of the best rehabilitation hospitals in the nation, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital has been at the forefront of Rehabilitation Medicine since its opening in 1986. Our mission of Adding Life to Years® has not only propelled the growth of our hospital, it has also allowed us to take on some of the nation’s most complex cases. Our patients benefit from individualized care that leverages state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical treatment based on the latest research that we're conducting through our research partnership with Georgetown University School of Medicine. Click here to learn more about high intensity therapy treatment we offer at the Inpatient Rehabilitation at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital.
MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital - Baltimore, MD
The Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital is CARF accredited for its amputation, stroke, and rehabilitation specialty programs. The Center features a team that offers expert, individualized care for patients with medically complex conditions, including but not limited to: amputations, brain injuries, orthopedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, and strokes. Our 60,000-square-foot center offers the latest in world-class rehabilitation care, enhancing our patients' experience with a healing environment, compassionate caregivers, innovative technology, and expert practices.
Our locations
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MedStar Health: Inpatient Rehabilitation Services at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital
102 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Health: Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Main Hospital Building 5th Floor Baltimore, MD 21239