Curved-walking training to help stroke, Parkinson’s, and femur fracture recovery
Official title: Assessment of the Rehabilitative Effects of Curved-walking Training in Stroke, Parkinson and Orthopaedic Populations
Run by Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA · NCT03545477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests curved-walking training to see if it helps people recovering from stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or recent femur fracture.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lissone, Monza E Brianza) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2018 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03545477 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with post-acute stroke within 6 months, moderate-to-severe Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn & Yahr 2.5–4), or recent femoral fracture within 1 month post-surgery, and who can participate in aerobic training.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cognitive impairment, significant neglect, severe limb spasticity (Modified Ashworth >2), unstable PD medications, cardiopulmonary conditions, BMI over 30, recent major neurological/vascular disorders, or significant lower limb pain may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial compares curved-walking training to standard straight-walking training and standard physical therapy in adults with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or recent femur fracture. It aims to determine whether curved walking provides better improvements in gait and balance by challenging lower-limb coordination and weight shifting. Participants undergo locomotion training sessions, and outcomes are assessed with functional and mobility measures appropriate to each condition. The study is conducted at the Maugeri sites in Italy with collaboration from Politecnico di Milano.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, curved-walking training could improve gait, balance, and independence in daily activities for people recovering from these conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in healthy individuals suggests curved walking engages different biomechanics, but clinical benefit in patient populations remains to be proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Post-acute stroke patients experiencing a stroke less than 6 months before recruitment * Idiopathic Parkinson Disease with disability level from moderate to severe (modified Hoehn \& Yahr scale 2.5-4) * Femoral fracture, less than 1 month form surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive deficits (Mini Mental Scale Evaluation \< 24) * Hemineglect * Modified Ashworth Scale of lower limb \>2 * Unstable pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's Disease during the 15 days before the recruitment * cardiopathic conditions * metabolic conditions (e.g. dialysis) that prevent patients from aerobic training * Previous history of major neurological, vascular, musculoskeletal disorders * Body Mass Index \> 30 Kg/m2 * Invasive pharmacological treatment or surgery for Parkinson's disease * lower limb pain (VAS \>3)
Where it's running
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Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri Spa, Scientific Institute of Lissone
Lissone, Monza E Brianza, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Giorgio Ferriero, PhD — Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri Spa, Scientific institute of Lissone
- Study coordinator: Giorgio Ferriero
- Email: giorgio.ferriero@icsmaugeri.it
- Phone: 00390394657259
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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.