To Develop a Walking Exercise Program for Non-ambulatory Stroke Survivors

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · Feb 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a special walking exercise program designed for stroke survivors who cannot walk on their own. The main goal is to see if this walking training can improve heart health better than a leg-cycling exercise. Participants will use a treadmill with a system that supports some of their body weight while they practice walking. Researchers will check important health markers like heart rate and blood pressure to see how well each exercise method works.

To join the study, participants should be between 18 and 80 years old, have been able to walk independently before their stroke, and be at least six months post-stroke. They also need a doctor's approval for exercise and should be in stable health. Unfortunately, individuals with certain health issues, severe depression, or those who are unable to understand or speak English cannot participate. If selected, participants can expect to engage in the walking program and be closely monitored for their health improvements.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • must be 18 to 80 years old
• • male or female
• • independent ambulation before stroke
• • able to understand and follow verbal commands in English
• • have physicians' approval for exercise
• • be in a stable medical condition
• • must be after the first stroke
• • unable to walk independently
• • in the chronic stage (at least 6 months after stroke onset)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • musculoskeletal or other disorders that prevent the participant from participating in the exercise
• • blood pressure higher than 200/110 mm Hg
• • diagnosis of severe depression
• • functionally restricted passive movement in the major joints of lower limbs
• • unable to speak or understand English
• • unable to travel to the Research Laboratory
• • currently participate in other walking training using treadmill with or without a body-weight support system
• • body weight greater than 400 lbs