Rehabilitation program for improving walking after stroke

Awakening of the Control of the Ankle Dorsiflexors in the Post Stroke Hemiplegic Subject to Improve Walking Activity and Social Participation: Experimental Interventional Study

NA · University Hospital, Limoges · NCT04800601

This study is testing a special exercise program to see if it can help stroke patients walk better and get more involved in their daily lives after they leave the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Limoges (other)
Locations7 sites (Bidart and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04800601 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multi-center, interventional study aims to evaluate a rehabilitation protocol focused on enhancing ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength in stroke patients during the sub-acute phase. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional rehabilitation or an experimental group performing intensive ankle exercises using an isokinetic dynamometer five times a week for six weeks. The primary goal is to assess the impact of this program on walking speed and social participation post-discharge. The study involves five centers and aims to recruit a significant number of patients to validate the effectiveness of this approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have experienced their first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and are in the sub-acute phase of recovery with persistent foot lift deficiencies.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive disorders, pre-existing gait issues, or significant spasticity may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve walking speed and social participation for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific protocol's focus on ankle muscle strength in a large cohort is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* First stroke,
* Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke hospitalized in MPR in sub-acute phase (15 days to 3 months)
* Persistent deficiency of foot lifts (Medical Research Council testing: MRC \<5)
* Walking alone at least 10 meters with or without technical assistance
* Absence of pain in the lower limb (EVA \<2)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive or phasic disorders that do not make it possible to understand the instructions: Boston Scale BDAE \<2
* Gait disorder before stroke
* Fixed stiffness of the ankle (irreducible equine less than 30 °)
* Spasticity too important: Modified Ashworth (MAS) greater than or equal to 4.
* Pregnancy or desire for pregnancy, breastfeeding
* Patient under curatorship or guardianship or under the protection of justice

Where this trial is running

Bidart and 6 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke Rehabilitation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.