On 29 October 2026, Hospital Gorliz by Osakidetza and the municipal sports organisation Getxo Kirolak signed a cooperation agreement for a pilot programme of supervised physical activity after a stroke. Up to 24 patients, who have completed their primary rehabilitation, are to take part in supervised group sessions over 12 weeks at the sports facilities in Gobela .
According to the announcement, the programme is for adults who have had an ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke and have mild to moderate motor impairments, but can safely take part in group activities. The Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación at Hospital Gorliz will select participants and draw up individual training plans. The aim is to consolidate rehabilitation gains, reduce lasting effects, prevent complications and strengthen independence, wellbeing and social participation.
Osakidetza cites scientific evidence that supervised physical activity after a stroke improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, mobility and independence in everyday life. It can also boost emotional wellbeing and confidence, and create opportunities for socialising and mutual support.
For context, the health authority gives figures for 2025: around 6,900 stroke patients treated by Osakidetza, of whom 51.9 per cent were men and 48.1 per cent women. More than half, 3,858 cases (56.2 per cent), involved people over 75; women accounted for 55.3 per cent of this group. By territory, more than 800 cases were treated in Araba, more than 3,500 in Bizkaia and more than 2,400 in Gipuzkoa . The total remained stable compared with 2024, with a slight increase in the over-75 age group.
In strategic policy terms, Osakidetza places the project within the Pacto Vasco de Salud . The agreement focuses on prevention, health promotion and more community-based care that brings together different institutions and stakeholders. For those affected, the new format could offer an accessible way to continue rehabilitation close to home. Questions remain about expansion beyond the pilot phase: the announcement gives no information on costs, funding beyond the trial or specific evaluation criteria. Any such decisions remain subject to further review and evidence of effectiveness.
Editor: Clara Simonichek (Article created with AI assistance).