Isokinetic strength training for patients with one-sided weakness after stroke

Effects of Isokinetic Strength Training of Knee Flexor and Extensor Muscles on Walking in Hemiparetic Patients With Knee Extension Thrust

Not applicable Interventional Rennes University Hospital · NCT05887440

This study is testing if a special strength training program can help people who have weakness on one side after a stroke improve their walking.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorRennes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rennes)
Trial IDNCT05887440 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of isokinetic strength training on knee flexor and extensor muscles in hemiparetic patients who exhibit knee extension thrust during walking. It employs a single case experimental design with multiple baseline assessments, allowing for the measurement of intervention effects on walking performance. Patients will undergo a conventional rehabilitation program before the introduction of isokinetic training, which will be randomized to start after a baseline period of 3 to 5 weeks. A total of 12 patients will be included, divided equally between those in the subacute and chronic stages of stroke.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hemiparetic patients aged 18 to 75 who can walk independently and have knee extension thrust during gait.

Not a fit: Patients with major comprehension deficits, unstable cardiovascular conditions, or significant knee pain may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve walking performance and overall mobility in hemiparetic patients.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific intervention's effectiveness in this patient population is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hemiparetic patient (hemorragic or ischemic stroke)
* Subacute stage (\< 6 Months) ou chronic stage of stroke (\> 6 months) (6 patients in each group)
* Age between 18 and 75 years
* Able to walk 10 meters independently without any assistive devices
* Knee extension thrust during stance phase of gait cycle (rapid posterior movement of the knee toward extension)
* Scheduled rehabilitation program with isokinetic strength training
* affiliation to a social security
* Patients who received and signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major comprehension deficit that not allow to give informed consent and participate to isokinetic strength training (assessed with comprehension subscore of Langague screening Test)
* non stable (unstable cardiovascular condition)
* musculoskeletal disorders with knee pain that not allowed isokinetic strength training
* Botulinum toxin injection less than 3 months or repeated injection in lower limb,
* Proprioception trouble assessed with proprioception section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment \[FMA-P\] 0/2
* spasticity of triceps surae ≥2 (Modified Ashworth scale)
* ankle dorsiflexion angle less than 90°
* pregnant women or breastfeeding
* persons with safety measure

Where this trial is running

Rennes

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.
Conditions Hemiparesis/HemiplegiaGait DisorderStrokeExtensor thrustresistance trainingIsokineticwalking speedrehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.