Actively Recruiting
Biomarkers to Identify Responders and Non-Responders to High-Intensity Interval Training for Lower Limb Disability After Chronic Stroke
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-03-27
55
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor
A
Atlanta VA Medical Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how to predict which stroke survivors with lower limb disabilities will benefit from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to improve walking speed. The study focuses on Veterans with chronic subcortical stroke, aiming to create a model that uses blood lactate levels, brain neurotransmitter GABA, cerebral blood flow, and other factors like age and fitness to forecast exercise response. Participants will take part in a 12-week HIIT program consisting of 36 cycling sessions led by an exercise physiologist. Blood lactate levels will be measured during select sessions to identify early response indicators. Brain scans and fitness tests will be done before and after the program to assess changes in GABA levels, cerebral blood flow, leg strength, balance, endurance, and walking speed. Throughout the study, walking speed and physical abilities will be closely monitored using tests like the 10-meter walk, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-minute walk test. Blood lactate will be tracked during exercise sessions. Brain imaging and exercise capacity will be evaluated at the beginning and end of the 12 weeks. The main goal is to develop a prediction model to distinguish responders from non-responders to HIIT based on these measurements.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Biomarkers of Reaction To HIIT Exercise
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Chronic left or right subcortical stroke at least 6 months ago
- Lower limb motor impairment causing walking speed less than 0.6 m/s during a 10-meter walk
- Veteran status
You will not qualify if you...
- MRI contraindications such as implanted cardiac pacemakers or severe claustrophobia
- Neurodegenerative diseases other than stroke causing lower limb impairment
- Visual or auditory impairments that interfere with study procedures
- Medical conditions preventing participation in a physical exercise program
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 take part in a 12-week High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program consisting of three weekly cycling sessions lasting 25 to 60 minutes each, supervised by an exercise physiologist.
36 exercise sessions (3 times per week)
Duration - 1 to 2 weeks
After completing the HIIT intervention, participants have assessments to evaluate changes in walking speed, balance, leg strength, endurance, brain chemistry, and cardiovascular fitness.
1 post-intervention visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
Decatur, Georgia, United States, 30033-4004
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lisa C Krishnamurthy, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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