Enhanced Physical Therapy for Stroke
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new method to enhance physical therapy for stroke survivors working to improve their walking. It compares standard physical therapy with an enhanced version that incorporates best practices and provides participants with an activity monitor to track walking progress. Ideal participants have experienced a stroke in the last 12 weeks, can take at least five steps (with or without assistance), and seek to improve their walking. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative rehabilitation methods that could enhance recovery outcomes.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this enhanced physical therapy is safe for stroke rehabilitation?
Research has shown that enhanced physical therapy is generally safe for stroke patients. Studies have found that structured and intensive walking programs, like the one being tested, are well-tolerated. Therapy staff have observed that patients can manage more than 2000 steps per session at a moderate exercise level.
Moreover, evidence indicates that these personalized rehabilitation programs can improve balance, walking style, and muscle strength, with few reported negative effects. Although specific safety data for this trial's enhanced physical therapy isn't available, overall findings suggest it safely helps stroke survivors improve mobility.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Enhanced Physical Therapy Usual Care for stroke rehabilitation because it incorporates best practices to optimize patient outcomes. Unlike standard physical therapy, which follows traditional routines, this enhanced approach personalizes treatment, adapting exercises to better fit each patient's unique needs and progress. This focus on tailored care aims to improve recovery rates and overall mobility more effectively than conventional methods.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving walking outcomes in stroke rehabilitation?
Research has shown that enhancing physical therapy after a stroke can aid in walking. In this trial, participants will receive either Usual Physical Therapy Care or Enhanced Physical Therapy Usual Care. One study found that adding more leg exercises within six months after a stroke improved walking. Another study demonstrated that home therapy for three months led to an average improvement of nearly 4 points in motor skills. However, physical therapy's effectiveness can vary, particularly in severe stroke cases. Overall, increased rehabilitation generally leads to better outcomes.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Janice J Eng, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of British Columbia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 19 who've had a stroke within the last 12 weeks and want to improve their walking. They should be medically stable, able to take at least five steps with or without help, and not have a normal walking speed. People can't join if they're in another exercise study, have severe pain that limits exercise, had certain conditions before their stroke like serious gait disorders or neurological diseases, or are in an experimental drug study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Usual Care
Participants receive usual physical therapy care at the start of the study
Enhanced Usual Care
Implementation of best practice physical therapy for locomotor retraining
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Enhancing Physical Therapy Usual Care
- Physical Therapy Usual Care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor