RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Isokinetic Strength Training in Hemiparetic Patient With Knee Extension Thrust

This study aims to understand if a specific type of exercise, called isokinetic strength training, can help people who have weakness on one side of their body (hemiparesis) after a stroke. Many people with hemiparesis find walking difficult, especially if their knee tends to push backwards too much when they put weight on it (knee extension thrust). Researchers want to see if strengthening the leg muscles (those that straighten and bend the knee) using special exercise machines can make a difference. The study will involve a small number of patients, both those who recently had a stroke and those who had one some time ago, to see how this added training impacts their ability to walk and move better. It's about finding ways to improve rehabilitation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Rennes University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

21 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Hemiparesis/Hemiplegia (One Sided Weakness/Paralysis)Gait Disorder

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how a particular type of exercise might help people who have weakness on one side of their body, often as a result of a stroke. This condition is called hemiparesis. One common problem people experience is when their knee thrusts backwards too much when they try to walk, making it harder and sometimes less safe to move around. The study specifically focuses on an exercise method known as "isokinetic strength training." This involves using special equipment to strengthen the muscles around the knee, both those that help you straighten your leg and those that help you bend it.

The main goal is to find out if adding this specialized knee strengthening program to standard rehabilitation can improve how well people with hemiparesis walk. The researchers will be carefully observing a small group of patients. They want to see if strengthening these specific leg muscles can help people walk more steadily, with less of that backward knee thrust, and generally improve their movement. This could lead to better ways to help people recover and live more independently after a stroke.

The study will include people who have experienced a stroke both recently (within six months) and longer ago (more than six months). By looking at both groups, the researchers hope to understand if this exercise is helpful at different stages of recovery. It's all about exploring new and effective ways to boost rehabilitation for stroke survivors, helping them regain strength and confidence in their walking abilities.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new exercise for stroke survivors with one-sided weakness.
It focuses on special leg muscle strengthening to improve walking.
Participation involves adding specific exercises to your usual rehabilitation.
The study includes both recent and long-term stroke survivors.
It aims to make walking safer and more efficient for affected individuals.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be an adult between 18 and 75 years old who has weakness on one side of your body due to a stroke. You should be able to walk at least 10 meters (about 33 feet) on your own without needing support like a stick or a frame. A key part of the study is that you must have what's called a 'knee extension thrust' when you walk, which means your knee pushes backwards a bit too much.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe problems understanding instructions, or if you have unstable heart problems, or certain painful knee conditions that would make the special exercises difficult. If you've had certain injections in your leg recently (like Botox) or have severe issues with leg sensation, extreme muscle stiffness, or ankle problems, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you have weakness on one side of your body due to a stroke?
Can you walk at least 10 meters on your own without walking aids?
Have you noticed your knee 'thrusting' or pushing backwards when you walk?
Do you have a social security affiliation (like NHS in the UK)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would attend a rehabilitation program at a day hospital four days a week. This program would include typical physiotherapy and physical activities, and possibly other therapies like occupational or speech therapy if you need them. The special knee strengthening exercises (isokinetic strength training) will be added to this regular program. This extra training will start after you've been in the standard rehabilitation program for either 3, 4, or 5 weeks, and the start time will be decided randomly. The study involves repeated measurements to track your progress. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long your rehabilitation program lasts and when the special training begins.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by helping to strengthen your leg muscles, which could improve your walking and overall independence. However, as with any exercise program, there's a small risk of discomfort or injury, especially as you may be using specialized equipment. The researchers will be monitoring you closely to ensure your safety. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Rennes
Verified postcode
Rennes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'hemiparesis'?

Hemiparesis means weakness on one side of your body, usually caused by a stroke or other brain injury.

What is 'isokinetic strength training'?

This is a special way of exercising your muscles using a machine that controls the speed of your movement, making you work at a constant pace even if you push harder.

What does 'knee extension thrust' mean?

This is when your knee tends to push backwards too much and quickly straightens all the way when you put weight on it during walking.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

No, your participation in the study, including the specialized training, should be covered. You just need to be affiliated with social security like with the NHS in the UK.

How long will the study last for me?

The study involves an added training program to your existing rehabilitation. The exact duration for you will depend on when the special training starts during your rehabilitation.

How to find out more

Sophie HAMEAU, PhD

sophie.hameau@chu-rennes.fr 299284218 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.