Improving walking function after stroke using ischemic conditioning
Ischemic Conditioning Improves Walking Function Post Stroke
This study is testing if a new treatment that combines a special conditioning technique with treadmill training can help people who have had a stroke walk better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Milwaukee, Wisconsin and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04038697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This innovative study investigates the effects of Ischemic Conditioning (IC) combined with treadmill training on walking function in chronic stroke survivors. The trial will involve three groups: one receiving IC and treadmill training, another receiving a sham IC with treadmill training, and a third receiving IC only. Participants will undergo training three times a week for four weeks, with assessments on walking speed, leg strength, and cardiovascular function. The study aims to explore the potential neural and vascular benefits of IC in enhancing recovery post-stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are chronic stroke survivors aged 18-85 with residual lower extremity weakness and slower walking speeds.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to ischemic conditioning or those unable to follow simple commands may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve walking speed and overall mobility in stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While ischemic conditioning has shown promise in healthy individuals, its application in stroke rehabilitation is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (Stroke Survivors): 1. be ≥ 1 year post diagnosis of a unilateral, cortical stroke and have residual lower extremity paresis 2. be between the ages of 18-85 3. be able to give informed consent 4. walk slower than normative values based on age and sex Exclusion Criteria (Stroke Survivors): 1. history of deep vein thrombosis or any condition in which transient ischemia to the lower extremity is contraindicated 2. inability to follow 2 step commands 3. chronic low back or hip pain 4. history of substance abuse 5. history of head trauma 6. comorbid neurological disorder 7. any uncontrolled medical condition 8. pacemaker 9. any condition where fatiguing contractions or resisted leg contractions are contraindicated 10. inability to walk for 5 minute bouts on a treadmill with a harness supporting up to 50% of the body weight at 80% of over-ground self-selected walking speed. Inclusion Criteria (Healthy Control Subjects): 1. be between ages of 18-85 2. be able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria (Healthy Control Subjects): 1. Those listed above for stroke survivors 2. History of Stroke
Where this trial is running
Milwaukee, Wisconsin and 1 other locations
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
- Marquette University — Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Matthew J Durand, Ph.D.
- Email: mdurand@mcw.edu
- Phone: 4149555619
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.