Improving walking practice for stroke patients during rehabilitation
Implementation of Focused Intensive Repeated Stepping Training (FIRST) During Inpatient Rehabilitation Poststroke - A Quality Improvement Project
This study is testing a new way to help stroke patients walk more during their rehab by training physical therapists to use better walking practices and see if it improves their recovery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05393661 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This quality improvement project aims to enhance inpatient rehabilitation for stroke patients by monitoring current physical therapy practices and implementing evidence-based walking training. The project focuses on increasing the amount of walking practice and the intensity of cardiovascular training provided to patients. Physical therapists will receive educational training and ongoing support to encourage adherence to these practices, with fidelity metrics tracked through chart audits and pedometer step counts. The study will evaluate the feasibility of this approach and its potential impact on patient outcomes over a period of 9-12 months.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this project are individuals who are less than 2 months post-stroke and are capable of ambulating more than 50 meters prior to their stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with restrictions in lower extremity weightbearing or those who were discharged to home from inpatient rehabilitation after less than one week may not benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this project could significantly improve walking function and overall rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that increased walking practice at higher intensities can lead to better outcomes for stroke patients, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \< 2 months poststroke Exclusion Criteria: * restrictions in lower extremity weightbearing (e.g., amputation or lower limb fracture) * unable to ambulate \> 50 m prior to their most recent stroke * discharged to home from inpatient rehabilitation after \< 1 week
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Thomas G Hornby — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Thomas G Hornby, PhD
- Email: tghornby@iu.edu
- Phone: 3173292353
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.