Aerobic exercise effects on brain and movement in stroke patients

A Study to Investigate the Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training (AET) on the Large Intracranial and Extracranial Cerebral Arteries and the Cognitive and Motor Functions in Post Stroke Patients.

This study is testing how different types of aerobic exercise can help improve brain function and movement in people who have had a stroke.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Ages: 50 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kowloon)
• Trial ID: NCT05706168 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how aerobic exercise training (AET) impacts the cerebral arterial system, cognitive abilities, and motor functions in chronic post-stroke patients. It involves a randomized controlled trial where participants will be assigned to different exercise regimens, including treadmill and cycle ergometer exercises. The study aims to compare the cerebral artery features of post-stroke patients with age-matched controls and assess the relationship between changes in the cerebrovascular system and improvements in cognitive and motor functions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese adults aged 50 and above who are at least six months post-stroke with mild to moderate disability.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-Chinese nationals, under 50 years old, or currently participating in structured aerobic exercise training may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for post-stroke patients, improving their cognitive and motor functions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with aerobic exercise improving outcomes in stroke rehabilitation, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Inclusion criteria post stroke group

   1. Post stroke adult patients of Chinese origin, who are 50 years old or above,
   2. Time of stroke onset \>6months (chronic),
   3. Mild to moderate disability to be able to undertake aerobic exercise training (treadmill and stationery cycling),
   4. Not participating in a structured aerobic exercise training.
2. Inclusion criteria Non stroke group.

   1. Adults of Chinese origin who are 50 years old or above,
   2. No history of stroke or Transient Ischemic stroke (TIA).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Exclusion criteria post- stroke group

   1. Non-Chinese nationals,
   2. Time of stroke onset\<6months,
   3. Below 50 years of age,
   4. Currently participating in a structured aerobic exercise training,
   5. Cannot perform treadmill walking or stationery cycling, and
   6. Allergic to ultrasound gel.
2. Exclusion criteria Non-stroke group.

   1. History of stroke or TIA.,
   2. Non-Chinese nationals,
   3. Below 50 years of age, and
   4. Allergic to ultrasound gel.

Where this trial is running

Kowloon

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Kowloon, Hong Kong (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michael TC Ying, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Study coordinator: Michael TC Ying, PhD

Conditions Stroke; : post stroke; cerebral arteries; aerobic exercise training; duplex carotid ultrasound; transcranial Doppler ultrasound.