A Comparison of Two Intensive Walking Training Interventions in Community Dwelling Individuals With History of Stroke
Stroke
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Stroke focused on measuring Stroke, Walking, Motor learning, Skill acquisition
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Stroke onset within previous 12 months
- Age 40 or older
- Able to follow 2 step verbal command (English),
- Able to walk 10 metres without human assistance (may use walking aid)
- Independent community ambulatory prior to stroke
- Community dwelling
- Approval from physician for participation in study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Walking speed greater than 1.0 m/s without walking aid
- Within normal limits on Modified Mini Mental Status test (age and education adjusted)
- Documented global aphasia
- Legal blindness
- Unable to exercise due to the any of the following conditions
- A recent significant change in resting ECG suggesting ischemia
- Recent Myocardial infarction (within 3 months) or other acute cardiac event
- Unstable angina
- Severe SOB at rest or with activities of daily living
- Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias causing symptoms
- Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis
- Uncontrolled symptomatic heart failure
- Acute pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction
- Acute myocarditis or pericarditis
- Suspected or known dissecting aneurysm
- Acute systemic infection, accompanied by fever, body ache or swollen lymph glands
- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic > 200 mmHg, diastolic > 110 mmHg )
- Severe peripheral vascular disease with sustained claudication (resulting in limited walking tolerance)
- Severe lower extremity orthopedic problems with severe pain on weight bearing
- Lower extremity amputation that requires prosthesis
Sites / Locations
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Motor Learning Walking Program
Body weight supported treadmill training
Motor Learning principles based Walking Program (MLWP) Participants practice variety of real life over ground walking related activities. Order of practice, instructions, guidance and feedback are provided in a manner that facilitates cognitive engagement of learner.
Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training. Participants walk on a treadmill while partially supported with an overhead harness system. Mass repetition of the normal gait cycle is encouraged through the support of the harness, the movement of the treadmill, and the assistance of one or two trainers to position limbs and trunk.