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High vs Low-frequency of High-intensity Training in Chronic Stroke

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Stroke
Interventions
Other: high-intensity gait training
Behavioral: Physical activity coaching
Registration Number
NCT06612723
Lead Sponsor
Indiana University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the potential role of training frequency on locomotor outcomes following high-intensity gait training and provision of a home walking program.

Detailed Description

This study will utilize a 2 arm randomized trial to investigate potential differences in locomotor and community outcomes following 18 visits of high-intensity gait training provided over 6 weeks (high frequency) or 12 weeks (low frequency). Following confirmation of eligibility and baseline testing, individuals will be randomized to either high or low frequency of training and complete subsequent testing at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • Unilateral deficits following stroke > 6 months prior; however individuals > 4 months post-stroke are eligible for consenting, but final eligibility and potential enrollment will not occur until > 6 months
  • Age 18-85
  • Weight < 350 pounds
  • Able to follow 3-step commands
  • Able to ambulate with self-selected gait speeds between 0.10-1.0 m/s without physical assistance, but with below knee bracing and/or assistive device as needed
  • Lower extremity Fugl-Meyer < 34
  • Medical clearance to participate
Exclusion Criteria
  • Evidence of cerebellar ataxia
  • Uncontrolled cardiopulmonary or metabolic disease that limits exercise participation, active heterotopic ossification, recurrent history of lower extremity fractures, previous orthopedic or other peripheral or central neurologic injury that may impair locomotor activities such that, in the judgement of the PI, could compromise the safety of the participant, limit the ability to complete the study, or compromise the objectives of the study.
  • Currently participating in other physical therapy
  • >50 units of Botox in the lower extremity OR in the lower extremity, but above the knee if the participant wears an ankle-foot-orthosis (AFO) within the past three months

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
High frequencyhigh-intensity gait trainingIndividuals will receive up to 18 visits of high-intensity gait training and activity coaching over 6 weeks
High frequencyPhysical activity coachingIndividuals will receive up to 18 visits of high-intensity gait training and activity coaching over 6 weeks
Low frequencyhigh-intensity gait trainingIndividuals will receive up to 18 visits of high-intensity gait training and activity coaching over 12 weeks
Low frequencyPhysical activity coachingIndividuals will receive up to 18 visits of high-intensity gait training and activity coaching over 12 weeks
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
6-minute walk testAfter 12 weeks

Individuals will be asked to "cover as much ground as possible" over 6 mins. Heart rate will additionally be measured during this assessment (distance in m)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Peak treadmill speedAfter 12 weeks

Individuals will participate in a walking-based graded exercise test. While harnessed for safety, a motorized treadmill will be initially set to 0.1 m/s and increased by 0.1 m/s each minute until the test is terminated due: 1) requests to stop, 2) unable to keep up with the treadmill and/or loses their balance, 3) absolute exercise test termination criteria provided by ACSM. The highest speed that the individual can walk for a minute at is the peak treadmill speed.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana

🇺🇸

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

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