ANPT National Campaign:
Intensity Matters
In an effort to increase awareness and translation of research into practice, the ANPT has selected a high impact area of evidence to promote at the national level. This campaign, “Intensity Matters”, is focused on the impact of cardiovascular intensity on the functional outcomes of patients with neurologic disorders. This national campaign is influenced by the recently published Clinical Practice Guideline Improve Locomotor Function following Chronic Stroke, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury indicated suggests Intensity, or workload as estimated by heart rate or perceived exertion, is an active ingredient precipitating changes in walking function. Click here for more information on this CPG.
Additionally, there is a growing body of research demonstrating that physical therapy interventions incorporating moderate to high cardiovascular intensity can improve the function and health of patients with neurologic disorders. This national campaign aims to highlight this evidence, and is a collaborative effort between the ANPT Knowledge Translation Task Force for the Locomotor CPG and experts in the field of neurorehabilitation.
Summary of Evidence
Click here for a summary of evidence and supporting references on the use of moderate to high intensity interventions.
Clinical Resources
Click here for clinical resources for including cardiovascular intensity as a component of your interventions.
Intensity Matters!
Carey Holleran (Co-Chair) PT, MPT, DHS*
Lisa Goodwin (Co-Chair) PT, DPT*
Meredith Banhos PT, DPT*
Maghan Bretz PT, MPT*
Estelle Gallo PT, DPT*
Lauren Szot PT, DPT*
Ryan Gorecki, PT, DPT*
Jon Robinson, PT, DPT*
* All the Physical Therapists above are Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialists.