Walking recovery and movement strategies after stroke

Locomotor Recovery and Compensation Post-stroke

['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11266112

This project compares usual rehab and high-intensity stepping to see how they help people regain walking after a stroke.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorINDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11266112 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be followed early after your stroke to track how your walking and nervous system recover over time. Therapists will deliver usual rehabilitation and some participants will do high-intensity stepping practice to see how that changes walking ability. Researchers will measure movement mechanics, joint control, and walking patterns to tell whether gains come from true neurologic return or from compensatory strategies. The aim is to map common recovery paths and learn which training helps people walk more independently.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults early after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who have difficulty walking but can take part in stepping practice are the best candidates.

Not a fit: People who are medically unstable, unable to tolerate exercise, or completely non-ambulatory and unable to participate in stepping training may not benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help therapists choose training that improves walking speed, safety, and independence after stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown high-intensity stepping can improve walking, but it's still unclear whether those gains reflect true neurologic recovery or compensatory movement patterns.

Where this research is happening

INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.