Power-based exercise program to improve strength, balance, and walking after stroke
Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (POWER-Pilot)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kelowna, British Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06780995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Kelowna, British Columbia and 1 other locations
- 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
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.