Split-belt treadmill dosing for early stroke recovery
NeuroRecoVR: Phase I Split-Belt Treadmill Dosing for Subacute Stroke
This program will test how much split-belt treadmill walking with virtual reality people in the first three months after a stroke can safely tolerate.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07469163 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This Phase I interventional study at Foothills Hospital uses a split-belt treadmill combined with virtual reality to deliver walking sessions to people in the subacute period after a first stroke. Participants will perform repeated walking bouts while therapists escalate the daily duration to determine tolerability and monitor for adverse effects. Safety, feasibility, and immediate gait responses (for example step-length symmetry and walking speed) will be recorded. The goal is to identify a safe and tolerable daily “dose” of split-belt treadmill training for early rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke between one week and three months after onset who can follow task instructions and tolerate treadmill activity are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with cerebellar stroke, major neurological or lower-extremity orthopedic problems, excessive pain, or body weight over the harness limit (560 lbs) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could define a safe, tolerable daily dose of split-belt treadmill training that helps improve walking symmetry and speed during early stroke recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in chronic stroke survivors have shown split-belt treadmill training can improve gait symmetry and speed, but dosing and safety in the early subacute period with added virtual reality remains largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke survivors * First stroke * Over 18 years old * Between one week and three months post-stroke * can understand task instructions. Exclusion Criteria: * History of significant neurological diseases (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease) * Orthopedic issues in lower extremities (e.g. severe knee Osteoarthritis) * Excessive pain preventing participants from participating in treadmill-based activities * Cerebellar stroke * Body weight more than 560 lbs (this exceeds the weight limit of the support harness)
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- Foothills Hospital — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexa Boyer
- Email: alexa.boyer1@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 5193594643
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.