High-intensity walking rehab for people with subacute spinal cord injury
Official title: High-intensity Walking Rehabilitation in Outpatient Subacute Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: An Effectiveness-implementation Hybrid Study
Run by University of Alberta · NCT07553923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a high-intensity walking rehabilitation program helps adults with incomplete subacute spinal cord injury regain more walking ability than usual care in outpatient rehab.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 26, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2027 |
| Study ends | October 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07553923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with subacute, motor-incomplete SCI (ASIA C or D) who can stand and begin reciprocal steps, may need assistance, and have a walking-related goal for outpatient PT.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who cannot participate in high-intensity standing or walking rehabilitation due to medical or movement restrictions or who cannot communicate in English may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study compares high-intensity walking rehabilitation to standard outpatient rehabilitation in adults with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury within one year of injury. The approach investigates whether higher intensity walking-based therapy can improve walking function and overall neurological recovery. Outcomes include walking ability and practical factors that affect delivering high-intensity therapy in outpatient settings. The research also aims to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing this therapy in real-world clinics. The trial is conducted at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton with support from the University of Alberta and the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater improvements in walking ability and overall neurological recovery, improving independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on high-intensity gait training in SCI suggests potential benefits, but effectiveness can depend on injury level and timing; this study adds outpatient real-world applicability.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (≥ 18 years of age) * Sustained a SCI within the past year * Motor incomplete SCI - classified as American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale levels C or D * Able to stand and initiate reciprocal steps through voluntary lower extremity movement but may require maximal physical assistance of at least one person and may include assistive devices (SWAT level 2A or above) * Indicate a walking-related goal on admission to outpatient physical therapy Exclusion Criteria: * Medical or movement restriction(s) that limit high-intensity standing or walking rehabilitation (e.g., weight bearing restriction to lower extremities, cardiovascular constraints) * Inability to understand or communicate verbally in English
Where it's running
-
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Caitlin Hurd, PhD
- Email: clhurd@ualberta.ca
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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.