Neuroplastic Changes Due to an Exercise Intervention That Aid in Lower Limb Recovery After Subcortical Stroke
Eligible age
18–80 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
1 state
Healthy volunteers
No
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About this study
This study aims to develop imaging-based biomarkers to assess which chronic stroke participant with lower extremity disability may respond or resist high intensity interval training (HIIT). Previous research suggests that physical exercise training is safe and could help improve the walking speed of non-ambulatory stroke survivors. However, inter-individual variability in response to exercise is extraordinarily high regardless of adherence, and predictors of response remain elusive. Chronic stroke survivors with lower limb disability resulting in slow walking speeds will participate in 12 weeks of cycling exercise at Emory University under the guidance of a physical exercise instructor, 3 days a week, for 25-60 minutes. During some of the exercise sessions, the investigators will collect blood lactate with a finger prick. Brain scans with an MRI before and after the 12 weeks of exercise will be done; motor function tests that include walking, sitting down, standing up, and turning around will be collected. Participants' memory and thinking will be assessed, and participants will fill out questionnaires about their health before and after their stroke, and well as questions about their diet. The participation will last between 14-16 weeks (up to 42 study visits).
Sponsor: Emory University
You may qualify if…
- ✓ chronic left or right subcortical stroke as defined by 6 months or more after a cardiovascular accident
- ✓ lower extremity motor impairment due to stroke that causes a walking speed of less than 0.6 m/s during a 10m walk,
- ✓ age 18-80 years old, and
- ✓ Screen pass of the Stress test or Physician sign-off from the participant's health care team that they are cleared for a 12 week exercise intervention
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ MRI contraindications, including implanted cardiac pacemakers and severe claustrophobia
- ✕ any neurodegenerative condition other than stroke that may lead to lower extremity impairment
- ✕ visual or auditory impairment that may hinder study procedures, and
- ✕ any medical condition that would preclude from participation in a physical exercise intervention program.
Where it's recruiting
Atlanta
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07663292 · last updated 2026-08-20