09/08/2026
Today is World Physiotherapy Day and the year's global theme is the role of PT and physical activity in preventing, managing and rehabilitating cardiovascular disease and stroke — which makes today a good day to talk about what happens after the hospital.
Huge resources go into saving someone's life when they have a stroke. Far fewer go into supporting them once they get home.
That's the gap BIG STEPS was built to fill. Developed and led by Dr. Victor Ezeugwu, the 12-week program helps stroke survivors sit less and move more during the transition home — pairing coaching from a physical therapist with walking goals that grow as confidence does, plus a smartwatch so participants can watch their own progress.
A new pilot study followed 28 adults, average age 68, in the first months after their stroke. Half started BIG STEPS right away; half waited 12 weeks. Both groups continued with their usual care.
The difference showed up quickly. By week 12, the early group was averaging 6,534 steps a day, compared with 4,031 in the delayed group. They'd also cut about 1.4 hours of daily sitting or lying time — double the reduction seen in the other group. When the second group started the program, their activity climbed to match.
"Recovery continues for months after stroke happens, but many people become much less active once their structured rehabilitation ends," says Ezeugwu. "BIG STEPS was designed to support them during this transition."
Engagement stayed high throughout, and there were no serious adverse events related to participation. A larger study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, is now underway.
Read the full story:
A new program developed by University of Alberta researchers is showing promise in helping stroke survivors stride towards recovery by being more active after leaving hospital.
