Power-based exercise program to improve strength, balance, and walking after stroke
Official title: Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (POWER-Pilot)
Run by McMaster University · NCT06780995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tries a 10-week high-speed power-focused exercise program to see if it improves strength, balance, and walking in people at least 6 months after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kelowna, British Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06780995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 19 and older who are at least 6 months post-stroke, can walk more than 10 meters, have mild–moderate disability (modified Rankin Scale ≤3), and do not have major cognitive or cardiac contraindications are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with recent or severe strokes, significant cardiovascular exercise contraindications, major cognitive impairment, or those already engaged in active stroke rehabilitation are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, multi-site phase II pilot comparing a 10-week high-speed power-focused resistance program (POWER) with a standard strength program (STRENGTH) in community-dwelling adults at least 6 months post-stroke. Eligible participants who can walk more than 10 meters and have mild to moderate disability are randomized to progressive phases of exercise targeting familiarity, strength, and then high-velocity power training, delivered at McMaster University and UBC Okanagan. The trial's primary aims are to test feasibility of multi-site delivery and to look for signals of benefit on physical function outcomes such as muscle power, balance, and walking speed. Results will inform the design of larger definitive trials if the approach appears feasible and promising.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, power-based training could increase muscle power, walking speed, and balance, helping stroke survivors regain greater independence in daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: A prior single-group POWER-Feasibility study produced promising safety and feasibility results, but power-focused training after stroke remains relatively under-studied compared with traditional strength programs.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. ≥19 years old 2. ≥6 months poststroke, 3. able to walk \>10 meters with or without an assistive device 4. have mild to moderate stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale ≤3) 5. without significant cognitive impairment that would preclude safe exercise, screened via Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind score \<18 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any contraindications to exercise for people with cardiovascular disease, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic blood pressure with exercise, or uncontrolled arrhythmias or 2. Actively engaged in or have made plans to engage in stroke rehabilitation services
Where it's running
-
The University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting -
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ada Tang, PT PhD
- Email: atang@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 289-426-5768
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.