Optimal Intensity of Reactive Balance Training Post-stroke

Launched by TORONTO REHABILITATION INSTITUTE · Aug 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new type of training called reactive balance training (RBT) to see if a higher intensity of training can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in people who have had a stroke. Falls can be a serious concern for stroke survivors, and while some previous studies showed that RBT helps improve balance, others did not see the same results. The researchers want to find out if training at a higher level of difficulty can lead to faster improvements in balance compared to moderate levels of training.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least six months post-stroke and able to stand and walk independently. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a high-intensity RBT group, a moderate-intensity RBT group, or a walking control group. Over four training sessions in one week, those in the RBT groups will practice balance on a special moving platform that challenges their reactions, while the walking group will simply walk on the platform without any movements. The researchers will measure how quickly balance improves in each group. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, it could be a valuable opportunity to contribute to understanding how to enhance balance training for stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Chronic stroke (\>6 months post-stroke)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Are unable to stand independently without upper-limb support for \>30 seconds and/or walk independently (without a gait aid) for ≥10 metres;
• • Have another neurological condition that could affect balance control (e.g., Parkinson's disease);
• • Have cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment8 score \<26), or severe language or communication difficulties affecting understanding instructions;
• • Have contraindications to RBT (has described by Mansfield et al., 2021), such as osteoporosis, activity restrictions due to cardiac event/surgery, or severe spasticity in the lower extremity; and/or
• • Are currently attending in- or out-patient physiotherapy or supervised exercise.