Investigating Effects of High-intensity Gait Training on Gait, Balance and Depression Post-stroke

Description

The purpose of this research is to study the improvements from walking practice that is vigorous enough to keep participants' heart rate over a certain target level during their physical therapy sessions. The investigators want to know about improvements in participants' walking function and mental health after 20 interventions. The study also aims to evaluate if participants' mental health, social support, and health literacy affect their attendance at physical therapy sessions.

Conditions

Stroke

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this research is to study the improvements from walking practice that is vigorous enough to keep participants' heart rate over a certain target level during their physical therapy sessions. The investigators want to know about improvements in participants' walking function and mental health after 20 interventions. The study also aims to evaluate if participants' mental health, social support, and health literacy affect their attendance at physical therapy sessions.

Investigating Effects of High-intensity Gait Training on Gait Function, Balance and Depression Following Stroke and the Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Depression on Patients' Adherence to Physical Therapy

Investigating Effects of High-intensity Gait Training on Gait, Balance and Depression Post-stroke

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Allentown

Lehigh Valley Health Network Outpatient Neurologic Rehab, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States, 18104-2310

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 18 years of age or older
  • * English or Spanish speaking
  • * A diagnosis of stroke (intracerebral hemorrhage or acute ischemic stroke)
  • * Referred to LVHN Outpatient Neurologic Rehab (hereafter referred to as outpatient PT)
  • * Unable to follow 1-step commands
  • * \> 220 pounds (100 kg)
  • * Height \< 5'0" or \> 6'4"
  • * Unable to take a few steps with assistance
  • * A score of ≥ 50/56 on Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
  • * A score of ≥ 26/30 on Functional Gait Assessment (FGA)
  • * Resting blood pressure \>180/110 mmHg
  • * Resting heart rate \> 120 bpm
  • * Severe cardiac disease (New York Heart Association Classification IV)
  • * Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth score \> 3)
  • * Unstable spine or unhealed pelvic/limb fractures
  • * Active heterotrophic ossification impacting lower extremity range of motion
  • * Significant lower or upper extremity contractures
  • * Inability to achieve neutral ankle dorsiflexion with 12° of knee flexion
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Colostomy
  • * Poor skin integrity
  • * Unresolved deep vein thrombosis
  • * Lower limb prosthesis or amputation
  • * Leg length discrepancies \> 0.5 inches for upper legs, 0.75 inches for lower legs
  • * ROM restrictions preventing normal, reciprocal gait
  • * Inability to stand for \> 3 minutes due to pain or orthostatic hypotension
  • * Pusher syndrome
  • * Cortical blindness

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Alvernia University,

Soo Yeon Sun, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Alvernia University

Study Record Dates

2026-01-31