Improving walking ability in patients after ischemic stroke

GAIT Recovery in Patients aFter Acute Ischemic STroke: A Randomized Comparison of Robot-assisted and Therapist-assisted Gait Training on a Treadmill.

NA · University Hospital Olomouc · NCT04824482

This study is testing whether robot-assisted treadmill training or therapist-assisted treadmill training can help people recover their walking ability after having an ischemic stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital Olomouc (other)
Locations1 site (Olomouc)
Trial IDNCT04824482 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial focuses on enhancing gait recovery in patients who have experienced an ischemic stroke. It involves a two-week intensive inpatient rehabilitation program where participants are randomly assigned to either robot-assisted treadmill gait training (RTGT) or therapist-assisted treadmill gait training (TTGT). The study will assess various factors, including gait quality, neurological impairment, quality of life, cognition, and depression, to determine their impact on recovery. Additionally, a subset of patients will undergo advanced MRI imaging to explore brain structures related to gait recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have suffered a first-ever ischemic stroke and have some level of walking dependency.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous strokes, significant heart disease, or severe depression may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve walking ability and independence for patients recovering from ischemic stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using robotic assistance for gait training, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ischemic stroke detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with NIHSS score 1-12 points at the time of enrolment
* Lower limb movement impairment with a score of at least 1 point on the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the time of enrolment
* Dependency in walking according to Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC) with score interval \<1,3\> (supervision or assistance, or both, must be given in performing walking)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of any stroke, either ischemic or hemorrhagic
* Other diseases modifying or limiting walking ability, currently receiving rehabilitation or participation in another study
* Significant/symptomatic ischemic heart disease or significant/symptomatic peripheral arterial disease
* Obesity (BMI ≥ 40), or weight higher than 110 kg (weight limit for the robot-assisted gait training)
* Sensory aphasia with the inability to understand having been verified by a certified speech therapist.
* Moderate or severe depression present at the time of enrolment assessed using the Beck scale, with a score above 10.
* Known cognitive impairment
* Previous disability or dependence in the daily activities assessed using the modified Rankin Scale with a score of 3 and more points
* Currently receiving dialysis
* Diagnosed and/or receiving treatment for cancer
* Presence of other orthopedic or neurological conditions affecting the lower extremities
* For fMRI: Pregnancy; electronic implants, including cochlear implant, pacemaker, neurostimulator; incompatible metallic implants, including aneurysm clip; metallic intraocular foreign body; large tattoos; unremovable piercing; body weight over 150 kg; known claustrophobia

Where this trial is running

Olomouc

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: Ischemic Stroke, Stroke rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Gait, Exoskeleton Device, Walking speed, Gait Analysis, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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.