Exercise-induced brain changes to help leg recovery after subcortical stroke

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 enrolled adults with chronic subcortical stroke and lower-limb disability to participate in 12 weeks of supervised high-intensity interval cycling. Participants train three times per week for 25–60 minutes per session, with heart rate targeted at 60–90% of heart rate reserve and occasional blood lactate measurements. MRI scans before and after the program, along with motor function tests, are used to explore imaging-based biomarkers that may predict response to HIIT. A total of 55 participants are expected to complete pre-, during-, and post-intervention assessments, with data collected to understand variability in response. The study is led by Emory University with collaboration from the American Heart Association and is conducted at Emory Rehabilitation Hospital and Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* chronic left or right subcortical stroke as defined by 6 months or more after a cardiovascular accident
* lower extremity motor impairment due to stroke that causes a walking speed of less than 0.6 m/s during a 10m walk,
* age 18-80 years old, and
* Screen pass of the Stress test or Physician sign-off from the participant's health care team that they are cleared for a 12 week exercise intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

* MRI contraindications, including implanted cardiac pacemakers and severe claustrophobia
* any neurodegenerative condition other than stroke that may lead to lower extremity impairment
* visual or auditory impairment that may hinder study procedures, and
* any medical condition that would preclude from participation in a physical exercise intervention program.

Where it's running

• Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
• Emory University Hospital
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Lisa Krishnamurthy, PhD — Emory University
• Study coordinator: Lisa Krishnamurthy, PhD
• Email: lkrish2@emory.edu
• Phone: 404-712-5332

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.