Intensive cycling exercise for stroke recovery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of forced aerobic exercise (FE) on motor recovery in stroke survivors during outpatient rehabilitation. It aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of FE, which involves mechanically assisted cycling, against traditional rehabilitation methods. The study will assess both the neural and biochemical mechanisms behind the recovery facilitated by FE, as well as its potential to improve outcomes for a significant portion of stroke survivors who currently experience residual disabilities. By rigorously testing this approach, the trial seeks to advance clinical practices in stroke rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Sixty-six individuals with chronic stroke able to provide informed consent who meet the following criteria for inclusion will be recruited from the Cleveland Clinic:

1. 3-9 months following single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed with neuroimaging (ie: first-time stroke)
2. Fugl-Meyer motor score 19-55 in the involved UE
3. Fugl-Meyer score \<34 in the involved LE demonstrating residual hemiparesis
4. Ambulatory ≥ 20 meters with no more than contact guard assistance
5. 18-85 years of age

Exclusion criteria include:

1. hospitalization for myocardial infarction, heart failure or heart surgery within 3 months
2. cardiac arrhythmia
3. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
4. history of multiple strokes
5. actively undergoing physical or occupational therapy or enrolled in another interventional study
6. severe aortic stenosis
7. untreated deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus
8. unstable angina
9. uncontrolled hypertension
10. implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
11. dyspnea at rest
12. clinically significant neurologic condition/diagnosis other than stroke
13. recent history of elicit drug or alcohol misuse or significant mental health illness
14. significant contractures
15. anti-spasticity injection within 3 months of enrollment
16. skull hardware (e.g. screws/plates) or prior craniotomies that could shunt current flow altering EEG measures
17. other contraindication to exercise or EEGs

Where it's running

• Cleveland Clinic
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Susan Linder, PT, DPT, PhD — The Cleveland Clinic
• Study coordinator: Courtney Miller, PT, DPT
• Email: millerc5@ccf.org
• Phone: 216 509-7012

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

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• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

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• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

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• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

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• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

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• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

  In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.

  Recruiting Matia Foundation · San Sebastián, GUIPUZCOA · NCT07913620

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.