Actively Recruiting

Early Phase 1
Age: 50Years - 90Years
All Genders
NCT04877444

Exercise Primed Stroke Rehabilitation

Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-01-09

40

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

291 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. and many Veteran stroke survivors live with severe disability. Despite recent advances in rehabilitation treatments many stroke survivors have persistent physical and mental difficulties such as reduced physical and cognitive function and depression. Developing innovative treatments that address these problems is necessary to improve long-term outcomes for stroke survivors. Aerobic exercise (AEx) can improve physical and cognitive function, and reduce depression. Additionally, AEx may enhance physical rehabilitation by making the brain more receptive to, and consequently improving the response to an intervention. Therefore, combining AEx with physical rehabilitation has the potential to improve multiple aspects of stroke recovery. This study will examine the effect of combining AEx with physical rehabilitation on physical and mental function in stroke survivors. By gaining a better understanding of the effects of this combined intervention the investigators aim to advance the rehabilitative care of Veteran stroke survivors.

CONDITIONS

Official Title

Exercise Primed Stroke Rehabilitation

Who Can Participate

Age: 50Years - 90Years
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Experienced unilateral stroke at least 6 months prior
  • Voluntary shoulder flexion of the affected arm 20 degrees with simultaneous elbow extension 10 degrees
  • Moderate arm movement impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment score > 21 but < 52)
  • Passive range of motion in paretic shoulder, elbow, wrist, thumb, and fingers within 20 degrees of normal
  • Aged 50 to 90 years
  • Ability to communicate as judged by therapists at baseline testing
  • Ability to complete and pass an exercise tolerance test
  • Box & Block test score of at least 3 blocks in 60 seconds with the affected arm
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Lesion in brainstem or cerebellum affecting visual-perceptual or cognitive skills
  • Other neurological diseases impairing motor learning
  • Orthopedic condition or impaired vision altering reaching ability
  • Paretic arm pain interfering with reaching
  • Unable to understand or follow 3-step directions
  • Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA score 17)
  • Severe aphasia
  • Inability to read English
  • History of congestive heart failure, unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living
  • Severe hypertension with systolic >200 mmHg and diastolic >110 mmHg at rest
  • History of COPD or oxygen dependence
  • History of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 6 months
  • Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions
  • UBACC score < 15
  • For brain stimulation procedures only: electronic or metallic implants, history of seizures, women of childbearing potential

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility

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Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29401-5703

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

R

Ryan E Ross, PhD

CONTACT

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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