A RCT of power training and treadmill training to improve walking ability in sub-acute stroke patients. [ 2004 - 2006 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Sharon Kilbreath (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Jack Crosbie ,  Brian Zeman ,  Prof Glen Davis ,  Prof Maria Fiatarone Singh

Brief description Stroke causes weakness, incoordination, and reduced aerobic fitness, all of which impact significantly on walking ability and other related functions, such as balance. The current management of stroke patients is inadequate in improving patients' walking ability to a level that promotes independence in the community, as it does not address the impairments at the physiological level necessary to implement significant change. A relatively new approach to walking following stroke is the use of treadmill walking. However, this form of training does not address the weakness following stroke. Therefore we propose to demonstrate the efficacy of a relatively new modality 'treadmill training with power training', at higher intensity over a greater number of sessions than would be received currently with 'usual care' or treadmill training only. To ensure that persons continue to maintain the level of improvement from an intensive exercise program, we will also implement a behavioural change for long-term maintenance of exercise behaviour in a less supervised environment. A randomized, single-blinded, control trial will be used. Subjects will be randomly allocated to 'treadmill training + power training', 'treadmill training', or usual care (i.e. control). Subjects in the two training groups will also receive 'usual care'. Subjects in the treadmill and treadmill + power training groups will attend training sessions for 10 weeks, with 3 sessions per week. Subjects will then be provided with a home exercise package to continue with their exercises. The findings from this study are critical in identifying whether, by addressing the 3 major impairments following stroke at doses which are known to produce physiological change in other frail populations, the stroke patient can achieve independence in walking and walk sufficient distances, both of which are important to the stroke patient.

Funding Amount $AUD 403,041.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant