Actively Recruiting
High-intensity Exercise in Stroke Recovery: Randomized Trial
Led by University of California, Berkeley · Updated on 2026-03-19
120
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Berkeley
Lead Sponsor
U
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of a high-intensity exercise program specifically designed for individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia. This randomized trial aims to determine whether participating in this program leads to improvements in physical health, language, cognitive, motor recovery, psychological, and psychosocial areas compared to a low-intensity exercise program. The study will assess both short- and long-term effects over several months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will engage in a 12-week high-intensity interval training full-body workout called Aphasia Physical EXercise (APEX), tailored to accommodate stroke survivors' motor abilities and fitness levels. The other group will participate in a 12-week low-intensity non-aerobic exercise program that reflects standard physical therapy without cardiovascular or strengthening components. Both interventions are delivered in group settings. During the study, participants will undergo evaluations at multiple time points, including baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and a 3-month follow-up. Assessments include language testing with the Western Aphasia Battery and other language and cognitive tests, physical fitness measures like aerobic capacity and gait speed, as well as motor performance and functional tests. Researchers will monitor changes in these areas to understand the impact of the exercise programs on recovery after stroke.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Aphasia Physical EXercise Study: Randomized Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aphasia following ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
- Aphasia confirmed by a standardized language test with a Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient below 93.8 at study intake
- At least 6 months have passed since the last stroke
- Proficient in English before the stroke
- At least 8 years of education
- Between 18 and 80 years of age
- Able to walk independently without a device (single-point cane allowed)
- Medically stable with no restrictions for regular physical exercise as confirmed by primary or treating provider
You will not qualify if you...
- History of dementia, other neurological illnesses aside from stroke, or substance abuse in the last 3 years
- Significant visual or hearing disabilities that interfere with testing
- Uncontrolled cardiorespiratory or metabolic disorders that prevent safe exercise participation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants engage in either a high-intensity or low-intensity physical exercise program designed specifically for individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia to improve physical fitness and cognitive/language abilities.
Regular exercise sessions as scheduled by the study team
Duration - 3 months after treatment completion
Participants are assessed to evaluate the lasting effects of the exercise interventions on language and physical function.
1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States, 94720
Actively Recruiting
2
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, California, United States, 94542
Actively Recruiting
3
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States, 94118
Actively Recruiting
4
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States, 94143
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Maria Ivanova, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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