Big Steps: Early Walking and Sedentary-Reduction After Stroke
Official title: Behavioral Intervention and Guided Stepping Training Early Post-Stroke (BIG STEPS): A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of a 3-month Behavioral Intervention and Guided Stepping Training in Early Post-stroke Patients.
Run by University of Alberta · NCT07702643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a guided stepping program and strategies to cut sitting time can help people 50 and older who recently had a stroke improve daily walking and reduce disability.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 6 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 3, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2031 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07702643 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 50 and older who had an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last 3 months and can walk 5 meters with or without a gait aid, recently discharged or returning home from hospital.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without access to internet-enabled devices or with conditions limiting mobility beyond stroke may see little or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study will enroll about 150 stroke patients aged 50 and above within 3 months of onset who can walk at least 5 meters. After baseline assessments, participants will be randomized to receive a sedentary-behavior change plus guided stepping program (BIG STEPS) early after stroke, or a delayed version. The primary outcome is daily steps measured by activPAL, with sedentary time as a secondary outcome, to see if the intervention improves functional mobility and overall disability. The study will use at least one internet-enabled device for participation and will recruit from three Alberta centers. Results will inform whether early, structured activity and strategies to reduce sedentary time can enhance recovery after stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater daily activity and better functional recovery after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in post-stroke rehabilitation supports activity- and sedentary-targeted approaches, though the specific BIG STEPS program is novel in its early post-stroke timing.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 50 - or older * Had an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last 3 months * Have recently returned or are returning home from hospital * Able to walk 5 meters with or without a gait aid Exclusion Criteria: * Previously diagnosed with a mobility limiting musculoskeletal condition * Previously diagnosed with a mobility limiting neurological condition * Have cardiac conditions (e.g. blood pressure ≥180/100 mmHg) * Are without access to an internet-enabled computer or mobile device * Are enrolled in another interventional trial such as exercise or neuroprotection trials * Have aphasia or are unable to provide consent in English.
Where it's running
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Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
Royal Alexandra Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
University of Alberta Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
Grey Nuns Community Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting -
Carewest Dr Vernon Fanning Centre
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Not yet recruiting -
Foothills Medical Center
Calgary, Alberta, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Victor Ezeugwu, PhD
- Email: ezeugwu@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 780 492 5108
Similar studies
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This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
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In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.