Cardiac Rehabilitation Benefits Stroke Survivors at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute

Modified program found to keep stroke survivors healthier with higher function and independence

Stroke experts at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute have found that cardiac rehabilitation can increase the ability of stroke survivors to live independently.

The research, published in the journal Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, analyzes national and international data detailing the benefits of adding aerobic exercise protocols, similar to what is applied in cardiac rehabilitation, after stroke.

The research reinforces the findings of the JFK Johnson Stroke-HEART^TM Trials, which showed far-reaching benefits of providing modified cardiovascular rehabilitation to stroke survivors, such as significantly improved mortality, up to 78 percent improved cardiac performance and overall function gains.

The JFK Johnson research, led by Sara Cuccurullo, M.D., Medical Director of JFK Johnson, and Talya Fleming, M.D., Director of the Stroke Recovery Program & Aftercare Program, concludes that providing a comprehensive stroke recovery program that includes modified cardiovascular rehabilitation to stroke survivors can improve function and also reduce the risk of 1-year hospital readmissions by 22 percent.

“We have a program that can keep stroke survivors healthier and enable people to be more functional,” said Dr. Cuccurullo. “We are continuing our research because we believe what we are doing here at JFK Johnson will have a valuable impact nationwide on stroke survivors as they progress through their recovery.”

Through their research, Dr. Cuccurullo and Dr. Fleming have emerged as champions for improving stroke rehabilitation in the United States. The two have presented their research nationwide, most recently in February at the International Stroke Conference 2024, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Dr. Cuccurullo and Dr. Fleming also presented their Stroke-HEART^TM Trial data to representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), who agree that a program like the Stroke Recovery Program could be beneficial for stroke survivors across the nation. The JFK Johnson researchers are now in discussions with key rehabilitation institutes across the country to expand the research nationally.

Learn more about innovative rehabilitative care at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.