Improving walking after stroke with treadmill oscillation exercise

Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Control of Weight Transfer During Gait in Individuals Post-stroke

NA · University of Texas at Austin · NCT05541705

This study is testing if a special treadmill exercise can help people who have had a stroke walk better and faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas at Austin (other)
Locations1 site (Austin, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05541705 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of treadmill oscillation walking (TOW) on gait mechanics in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Fifteen participants will undergo a 6-week intervention consisting of 18 TOW sessions, with evaluations of their gait characteristics and muscle activity before and after the training, as well as one month later. The goal is to enhance hip and knee muscle activation and improve walking speed and limb loading through this innovative exercise approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with hemiparesis from a stroke that occurred more than 6 months prior, who can walk at least 10 meters with or without assistance.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral strokes, significant other neurological conditions, or those unable to participate in regular exercise due to medical issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve walking ability and quality of life for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving gait function in stroke patients through targeted rehabilitation techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Hemiparesis as a result of a stroke greater than 6 months previous to the study;
2. A single cortical or subcortical stroke
3. Able to walk 10 meters with or without a walking aid
4. Able to stand unsupported for 5 minutes
5. Sufficient cognitive function to follow instruction and communicate with the investigators.
6. Reduced paretic limb loading more than 6% compared to the non-paretic limb during overground gait assessment

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Medical condition precluding participant in regular exercise, such as acute cardiac or respiratory conditions limiting activity and other health conditions significantly impacting the ability to walk beyond the effects of the stroke, such as other neurological conditions or peripheral neuropathies;
2. Bilateral stroke or a previous stroke in the contralateral hemisphere;
3. Had a history of multiple strokes;
4. Cerebellar stroke;
5. Lower extremity joint replacement;
6. Bone or joint problems that limited their ability to walk;
7. A resting heart rate outside of the range of 40 to 100 beats per minute;
8. A resting blood pressure outside of the range of 90/60 to 170/90 mm Hg;
9. Neglect;
10. Hemianopia;
11. Unexplained dizziness during the past 6 months;
12. Chest pain or shortness of breath without exertion;
13. Pregnancy by self-report.

Where this trial is running

Austin, Texas

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: Treadmill Walking

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.