Constraint-induced movement therapy to improve walking after stroke

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy for Walking in Individuals Post Stroke

This study will test whether adding constraint-induced movement therapy to treadmill training helps people who have trouble walking after a stroke.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
• Trial ID: NCT03264261 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-blind, randomized, 6-week training comparison that blocks participants by baseline gait speed and randomizes them to either constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) plus locomotor training or treadmill training alone. Training is performed three times per week for up to 45 minutes per session as tolerated, with gait assessed three times to measure change. The protocol enrolls a total of 36 participants who meet inclusion criteria and can walk at least 10 meters without physical assistance. Interventions include treadmill-based locomotor training and robotic-assisted components as part of the therapy program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 21–75 with a single supratentorial ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke who can stand and walk >10 meters without physical assistance and have a self-selected walking speed ≤0.80 m/s are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with brainstem or cerebellar strokes, significant cardiorespiratory/metabolic disease, other neurologic or orthopedic impairments that affect walking, MMSE <24, uncontrolled hypertension, or recent botox injections are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help people after stroke walk faster and with greater independence.

How similar studies have performed: Treadmill-based and locomotor training approaches have prior evidence for improving walking after stroke, while applying CIMT principles specifically to gait is less well established but has some preliminary supportive findings.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 21 and 75 years;
2. history of unilateral, supratentorial, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke;
3. no prior stroke;
4. demonstration of impaired walking function (self-selected walking speed ≤ 0.80 m/s);
5. able to stand and walk (\>10 meters) without physical assistance.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. significant cardiorespiratory/metabolic disease;
2. other neurological or orthopedic injury that impairs locomotion;
3. scores on the Mini Mental Status examination \< 24;
4. stroke of the brainstem or cerebellar lesions;
5. uncontrolled hypertension (systolic \> 200 mm Hg, diastolic \> 110 mm Hg);
6. botox injection within 6 months of starting the study.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

• Abilitylab — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ming Wu, PhD — Abilitylab
• Study coordinator: Weena Dee, PT

Conditions Stroke; stroke, locomotion