Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: The POWER Pilot Trial (POWER-P)

Launched by MCMASTER UNIVERSITY · Jan 16, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The POWER Pilot Trial (POWER-P) is a study designed to see if a special kind of exercise program can help people recover from stroke. After a stroke, many individuals struggle with weakness, making everyday activities like walking and balancing difficult. This trial will focus on a 10-week power training program, which aims to improve strength and muscle power in people who have had a stroke. This approach is different from regular strength training because it emphasizes faster movements, which may be more beneficial for recovery.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old, have had a stroke at least six months ago, and be able to walk at least 10 meters, either with or without help. You should also have mild to moderate stroke severity and not have significant cognitive difficulties. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the POWER training program or a standard strength training program, which is less intense and does not focus on building muscle power. Throughout the trial, researchers will monitor how well each group improves in walking, strength, and balance. This study will help shape future research to find the best ways to support stroke recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. ≥18 years old
• • 2. ≥6 months poststroke,
• • 3. able to walk \>10 meters with or without an assistive device
• • 4. have mild to moderate stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale ≤3)
• • 5. without significant cognitive impairment that would preclude safe exercise, screened via Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind score \<18
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Any contraindications to exercise for people with cardiovascular disease, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic blood pressure with exercise, or uncontrolled arrhythmias or
• • 2. Actively engaged in or have made plans to engage in stroke rehabilitation services