Optimizing Training In Severe Post-Stroke Walking Impairment
Posted Date: Sep 22, 2020
- Investigator: Oluwole Awosika
- Specialties: Neurology, Stroke
- Type of Study: Observational/Survey
Severe walking impairment after stroke is defined as the inability to walk faster than 0.4 meters per seconds, and impacts nearly twenty-five percent of chronic stroke survivors. Walking speed is a key determiner of community independence, and stroke survivors classified as “severe” are more often symptomatically home-bound with limited mobility, and are at higher risk of falls, fractures, and rehospitalizations. This study will investigate the effects of training dosing on walking recovery in stroke survivors with severe walking impairment. Participants are randomized to one of two intervention arms: Backward Locomotor Treadmill Training (BLTT) or Forward Locomotor Treadmill Training (FLTT/Control), and undergo 12 training sessions. The study is assessor blinded and the outcomes are: Pre-Post change in walking speed (primary), and changes in walking symmetry, static , and dynamic balance (secondary).
Criteria:
Inclusion: Participants Living In The Community Will Be Eligible If They Are: 1)18-80 Years Of Age; 2) At Least 6 Months Out From Their Stroke; 3) Walking Speed <0.4M/S; 4. Capable Of Providing Consent (Mini-Mental State Exam Score >23); 5) Ability To Maintain = 0.3Mph Speed For 6 Minute Interval On The Treadmill; 6) Able To Walk Independently (Cane And Hemi-Walker Acceptable) > 10 Meters Over Ground With The Free Step Harness System (As A Safety Precaution); 7) Discharged From Formal Rehabilitation. Exclusion: 1) Unstable Cardiac Status Which Would Preclude Participation In A Moderate-Intensity Exercise Program; 2) Significant Language Barrier Which Might Prevent The Participant From Following Instructions During Training And Testing; 3) Adverse Health Condition That Might Affect Their Walking Capacity (Severe Arthritis,Significant Pulmonary Disease Significant Ataxia Or Neglect);4) Severe Lower Extremity Spasticity (Ashworth>2); 5) Depression (>10 On The Patient Health Questionnaire, If Untreated).
Keywords:
Severe Walking, Stroke, Walking Rehabilitation
For More Information:
Oluwole Awosika
513-558-0550
oluwole.awosika@uc.edu