Combining exercise with targeted therapy to improve reading after stroke
Improving Reading Competence in Aphasia With Combined Aerobic Exercise and Phono-Motor Treatment
This study is testing if combining exercise with reading therapy can help stroke survivors improve their reading skills and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kessler Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (West Orange, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT06213272 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate a novel treatment approach for reading disorders following a stroke by integrating exercise training with targeted reading therapy. The study will involve 70 individuals with chronic left-hemisphere stroke who will participate in 40 sessions of reading treatment alongside either aerobic exercise or light stretching. Participants will undergo MRI scans and behavioral testing to assess the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing reading and language skills. The goal is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors with aphasia by leveraging neurobiological principles.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who are fluent in English, have experienced their first stroke more than three months ago, and exhibit specific reading deficits.
Not a fit: Patients with prior neurological diseases, developmental reading disabilities, or contraindications to MRI or exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance reading abilities and overall communication for stroke survivors with aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in combining physical activity with cognitive rehabilitation, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * fluent and literate in English prior to stroke * 1st ever stroke * more than 3 months post-stroke * post-stroke reading deficits, defined as reading aloud accuracy \<83% for single words or \<65% for readable nonwords * living within a 50-mile radius from Kessler Foundation. Exclusion Criteria: * contraindication to MRI * prior neurological disease * developmental learning or reading disability (i.e., developmental dyslexia) * contraindication to exercise * concurrent speech and language therapy
Where this trial is running
West Orange, New Jersey
- Kessler Foundation — West Orange, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Olga Boukrina — Kessler Foundation
- Study coordinator: Olga Boukrina, PhD
- Email: oboukrina@kesslerfoundation.org
- Phone: 19733243587
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.