The Patient Voice in Rehabilitation: Experiences with High-Intensity Gait Training in a Student-Run Pro Bono Clinic

Improved walking ability is a common goal for people with chronic stroke; however, access to skilled physical therapy is often limited. Student-run pro bono clinics (SRPBCs) address this care gap. Despite evidence supporting high aerobic intensity walking training for chronic stroke, the patient perspective on its delivery within SRPBCs remains underexplored. This qualitative study explored the experiences of persons with chronic stroke participating in MoveMore, an intensive walking program delivered by physical therapy students in a SRPBC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals with chronic stroke (4–7 years post-stroke, ages 53–70) and four caregivers, all of whom contributed perspectives on participation in MoveMore. Interviews focused on program understanding, experiences with student therapists, perceptions of aerobic intensity, and perceived benefits. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the inductive constant comparative method. Three primary themes emerged from the data: (1) Therapeutic alliance, where participants described strong relationships with student therapists built on shared goals, choice, and motivation; (2) Safety, as participants felt physically and emotionally secure due to vital sign monitoring and multiple students assisting; and (3) Improved mobility, with participants reporting gains in walking and perceiving it as more effective than previous outpatient therapy. Participants reported a positive experience with student-led, high-intensity walking training, describing it as safe, motivating, and effective. This study adds the patient voice to the growing body of evidence, illustrating how SRPBCs can deliver evidence-based care that fosters therapeutic alliance and positive patient experiences.