High-intensity walking training for stroke recovery

Investigating Effects of High-intensity Gait Training on Gait Function, Balance and Depression Following Stroke and the Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Depression on Patients' Adherence to Physical Therapy

NA · Alvernia University · NCT06373107

This study tests if high-intensity walking training can help stroke patients improve their walking and mental health during therapy sessions.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAlvernia University (other)
Locations1 site (Allentown, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06373107 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates the effects of high-intensity gait training on improving walking function and mental health in stroke patients. Participants will engage in vigorous walking practice during physical therapy sessions, aiming to maintain a target heart rate. The study will also assess how factors like mental health, social support, and health literacy influence attendance at therapy sessions. A total of 24 subjects will be involved in this intervention over 20 sessions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a stroke and are referred to outpatient neurologic rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to follow simple commands or have severe physical limitations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery outcomes for stroke patients by improving their mobility and mental well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with high-intensity training approaches for stroke rehabilitation, indicating potential for success in this study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* English or Spanish speaking
* A diagnosis of stroke (intracerebral hemorrhage or acute ischemic stroke)
* Referred to LVHN Outpatient Neurologic Rehab (hereafter referred to as outpatient PT)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to follow 1-step commands
* \> 220 pounds (100 kg)
* Height \< 5'0" or \> 6'4"
* Unable to take a few steps with assistance
* A score of ≥ 50/56 on Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
* A score of ≥ 26/30 on Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)
* Resting blood pressure \>180/110 mmHg
* Resting heart rate \> 120 bpm
* Severe cardiac disease (New York Heart Association Classification IV)
* Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth score \> 3)
* Unstable spine or unhealed pelvic/limb fractures
* Active heterotrophic ossification impacting lower extremity range of motion
* Significant lower or upper extremity contractures
* Inability to achieve neutral ankle dorsiflexion with 12° of knee flexion
* Pregnancy
* Colostomy
* Poor skin integrity
* Unresolved deep vein thrombosis
* Lower limb prosthesis or amputation
* Leg length discrepancies \> 0.5 inches for upper legs, 0.75 inches for lower legs
* ROM restrictions preventing normal, reciprocal gait
* Inability to stand for \> 3 minutes due to pain or orthostatic hypotension
* Pusher syndrome
* Cortical blindness

Where this trial is running

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, High intensity gait training

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.