RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07039305

Physical Capacity Building for Chronic Stroke

Modified Cardiac Rehabilitation to Enhance Post-Stroke Physical and Psychosocial Function: Does Depression Limit the Response?

Sponsor

Medical University of South Carolina

Enrollment

76 participants

Start Date

Aug 5, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Stroke Post-stroke Depression

Summary

Cardiac rehabilitation is the standard-of-care treatment option for patients with cardiovascular disease and has been shown to improve many aspects critical to patient recovery. Investigators believe that individuals who have had a stroke need to be treated similarly. Investigators will study the effects of a comprehensive modified cardiac rehabilitation program to determine if it can improve some of the physical and psychosocial problems common in survivors of stroke with and without depression.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests a physical training program designed to build cardiovascular and walking capacity in people with chronic stroke who still have leg weakness, helping them walk further and faster in everyday life. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 80 years old - You had a stroke at least 6 months ago - You still have partial leg weakness from the stroke (measured by a motor score below 34) - You can walk short distances without physical assistance or a leg brace **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You had your stroke less than 6 months ago - You cannot walk at all or require full physical assistance to walk - You have serious cardiovascular conditions that make exercise unsafe Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALPhysical capacity training for chronic stroke - building aerobic capacity and muscle strength

The general format of each exercise session includes assessment of resting heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) followed by a 5-minute warm-up, a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise followed by 25 minutes of resistance exercise. Aerobic exercise will always include a minimum of 10 minutes of walking (overground or treadmill) at the prescribed intensity followed by cycle, arm or rowing ergometry. Sessions will begin at a target intensity of \~60% heart rate reserve (HRR) determined from the exercise tolerance test performed at baseline and calculated using Karvonen's formula. The goal will be to increase training intensity by \~5% HRR every \~3 weeks and progressed as tolerated. Resistance exercise will target all major muscle groups and include multiple sets dosed at the 10-repetition to fatigue level (\~75% of the 1-repetition maximum). Resistance exercises will be progressed with improvements in strength or as tolerated.