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U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk is expected to go back to work in Washington this week, nearly a year after suffering a major stroke.

The 53-year-old Republican's return is good news for fellow stroke patients and medical researchers.

Dr. Elliot Roth, medical director at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's New Patient Recovery Unit, said it's estimated only one-third of stroke patients return to work.

Sen. Kirk released several videos during his recovery showing scenes of the senator walking up stairs with help and speaking from his Fort Sheridan home. His office said he completed a nine-week mobility study at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. During the study, he walked nearly 15 miles and climbed stairs.

In one of the videos (http://bit.ly/NuuErR,) Kirk said he was in touch with his office several times daily and was helping Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin find a replacement for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald who announced his resignation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.