StrokePOWER-FNCT05816811
Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: The POWER Feasibility Trial
A study testing Power-focused resistance training in people with Stroke, run by McMaster University at 1 site in Canada.
Trial summary
Post-stroke deficits are highly common and functional impairment persists throughout life after stroke. Skeletal muscle mass and strength are fundamental contributors to mobility throughout the adult life course. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- Power-focused resistance training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 15 participants
- Where
- 1 siteCanada
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2023to 31 May 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- ≥18 years old
- ≥6 months post-stroke
- Able to walk >10 meters with or without the use of an assistive device
- Living in the community
- Mild to moderate stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale ≤3)
Who cannot join
- Any contraindications to exercise for people with cardiovascular disease, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic blood pressure with exercise, or uncontrolled arrhythmias
- Significant cognitive impairment that would preclude safe exercise participation (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <26)
- Actively engaged in stroke rehabilitation services
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Post-stroke deficits are highly common and functional impairment persists throughout life after stroke. Skeletal muscle mass and strength are fundamental contributors to mobility throughout the adult life course. Stroke-related muscle atrophy contributes to loss of strength, and declines in lower extremity function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and walking independence and post-stroke sarcopenia. Improving the quantity and function of skeletal muscle needs to be an important therapeutic target after stroke. Resistance exercise training (RET) has been shown to increase skeletal muscle mass, strength and power, reduce oxidative stress, improve cardiac function, and better regulate lipids after stroke. However, the feasibility and the effects of a power focused RET program for individuals with stroke need to be examined.
Read the detailed description
This study is a single-group, open label trial examining the feasibility and preliminary effect estimates of a 10-week power-focused exercise training program in people living with stroke. Fifteen participants with chronic stroke will participate in the exercise program 3 times per week for 10 weeks at a progressive intensity. The program will take place at a community exercise gym built for older adults and people with physical disabilities. Feasibility outcomes will be assessed throughout the trial. Effectiveness outcomes will be assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- Power-focused resistance training
- Keywords
- Stroke, Resistance training, Power training, Feasibility study, Skeletal muscle
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Power-focused resistance trainingOther
Also called Power training
Participants will undergo 10 weeks of power-focused resistance training.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Power Training | Experimental | The program is intentionally designed with 3 progressive phases: Phase 1 Familiarization (Week 1) will allow participants to begin with a low-intensity version of the training program (body weight resisted or light weights at RPE 2-3 for 8 repetitions) to acclimate participants to the movements. Phase 2 Strength (Weeks 2-5) will progress in loads to achieve volitional fatigue between 5-8 repetitions (RPE 7-9). Phase 3 Power (Weeks 6-10) will use intensities between RPE 4-6 (15-20 repetitions) and execute each exercise at the highest possible velocity to focus on muscle power. The exercises, selected to emphasize functional movements relevant to daily activities. Receives: Other: Power-focused resistance training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Feasibility: Participant recruitment
Recruitment rates (n/week) and the number of recruited subjects (n) will be reported. Criteria for success include recruitment of ≥1 participant per month and n=15 recruited in ≤13 months.
Measured: Through study completion, over 13 months
Feasibility: Sex and gender distribution
Recruitment of males and females, men, women and gender diverse participants will be recorded (n, %). Criteria for success is <60% (n<9) of any sex or gender identity.
Measured: Through study completion, over 13 months
Feasibility: Attendance and attrition
Percentage of sessions attended (%) and lost to follow-up (n) will be reported. Criteria for success includes ≥85% sessions attended and ≤10% (n<2) lost to follow-up.
Measured: Through study completion, over 13 months
Feasibility: Serious and non-serious adverse events
Number of adverse events (i.e., deaths, serious and non-serious adverse events, n) will be reported. Criteria for success is 0 deaths or serious adverse events and <5 non-serious adverse events.
Measured: Through study completion, over 13 months
Feasibility: Exercise tolerance
Adherence to the prescribed exercises (%) and abnormal blood pressure responses to exercise (n) will be recorded. Criteria for success includes ≥85 of participants performing ≥85% of sets at the prescribed intensity, and ≤25% of weeks experiencing ≥1 abnormal blood pressure response (SBP ≥210 or ≥190 for males and females, respectively).
Measured: Through study completion, over 13 months
Feasibility: Satisfaction
Satisfaction will be measured with a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not at all satisfied, 2 = not satisfied, 3 = neither satisfied or not satisfied, 4 = satisfied, and 5 = completely satisfied). Criteria for success is ≥85% of participants reporting being satisfied or completely satisfied with the program.
Measured: Immediately post-intervention (week 10)
Secondary outcomes (8)
Timed up and go test
The TUG is a measure of functional mobility. A standard chair (~46cm in height) will be placed at the start of a flat walking course and a cone will be placed 3 meters from the chair. Participants will stand from the chair, walk 3 meters, turn back towards the chair, and sit back down, without assistance. The task will be timed and measured in seconds.
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Short physical performance battery
The SPPB involves 3 tests, each measuring different constructs of physical function: (1) balance (tandem stand test), (2) walking ability (4-meter walk test), and (3) lower-limb strength and endurance (5-times sit to stand test). Two trained study staff members will concurrently assess each measure. Each test on the SPPB is scored separately on a scale ranging from 0 to 4, per instrument scoring guidelines. Raw and SPPB scores will be measured.
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
30-second chair stand test
The 30sCST is a measure of lower extremity strength and endurance. A ~43cm chair with a straight back and no armrests will be placed against the wall. Participants will cross their arms and keep feet flat on the floor. With their back straight, stand up and sit down as many times as possible in 30 seconds.
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Isokinetic power
Upper- and lower-extremity muscle power (Watts/kg) will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, bilaterally, at 3 different velocities (30º, 60º, 120º per second).
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Isokinetic torque
Upper- and lower-extremity muscle torque (Nm) will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, bilaterally, at 3 different velocities (30º, 60º, 120º per second).
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Isometric strength
Maximal isometric knee and elbow flexor and extensor strength (kg) and grip strength (kg) will also be measured, using a handheld dynamometer.
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Global physical activity questionnaire
The global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) consists of 16 items, which are grouped to capture different domains of physical activities including work, transport and discretionary (i.e., leisure or recreational) activities. The GPAQ score may range from 0 to 80,640 MET-minutes per week, although the maximum value is likely not possible to be attained. Higher values indicate greater physical activity levels.
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Stroke-Impact Scale (SIS-3.0)
Version 3 of the Stroke-Impact Scale (SIS-3.0) will be used to assess stroke-specific health-related quality of life. The SIS-3.0 consists of 59 items that measure 8 different domains of health: strength, hand function, (instrumental) activities of daily living, mobility, communication, emotion, cognition, and participation. Each domain is scored separately and range from 0 to 100. Higher values indicate greater health-related quality of life.
Measured: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Apr 2023
- Study start1 Aug 2023
- Primary completion31 May 2024
- Study completion31 May 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by McMaster UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Single-group pilot trial aimed at examining the feasibility of a 10-week power-focused resistance training intervention for people with stroke
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- McMaster University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ada Tang, McMaster University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05816811
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- POWER Feasibility
- Acronym
- POWER-F
- Status last verified
- Nov 2024
- First submitted
- 20 Mar 2023
- Last updated
- 26 Nov 2024
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Noguchi KS, Abreu JA, Sanvido ZM, Bochnak P, McQuarrie A, Elliott B, Phillips SM, Beauchamp MK, Thabane L, Bell KE, Tang A. Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: The POWER Feasibility Trial. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2026 Oct 1;50(4):212-222. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000561. Epub 2026 May 25.
PubMed 42189006
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Nov 2024. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: The POWER Feasibility Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05816811
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- POWER-F / POWER Feasibility
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- Stroke, Resistance training, Power training, Feasibility study, Skeletal muscle
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 15 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- McMaster UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 May 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 May 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Apr 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Post-stroke deficits are highly common and functional impairment persists throughout life after stroke. Skeletal muscle mass and strength are fundamental contributors to mobility throughout the adult life course. Stroke-related muscle atrophy contributes to loss of strength, and declines in lower extremity function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and walking independence and post-stroke sarcopenia. Improving the quantity and function of skeletal muscle needs to be an important therapeutic target after stroke. Resistance exercise training (RET) has been shown to increase skeletal muscle mass, strength and power, reduce oxidative stress, improve cardiac function, and better regulate lipids after stroke. However, the feasibility and the effects of a power focused RET program for individuals with stroke need to be examined.
Detailed description
This study is a single-group, open label trial examining the feasibility and preliminary effect estimates of a 10-week power-focused exercise training program in people living with stroke. Fifteen participants with chronic stroke will participate in the exercise program 3 times per week for 10 weeks at a progressive intensity. The program will take place at a community exercise gym built for older adults and people with physical disabilities. Feasibility outcomes will be assessed throughout the trial. Effectiveness outcomes will be assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Single-group pilot trial aimed at examining the feasibility of a 10-week power-focused resistance training intervention for people with stroke
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Power Training | Experimental | Other: Power-focused resistance trainingThe program is intentionally designed with 3 progressive phases: Phase 1 Familiarization (Week 1) will allow participants to begin with a low-intensity version of the training program (body weight resisted or light weights at RPE 2-3 for 8 repetitions) to acclimate participants to the movements. Phase 2 Strength (Weeks 2-5) will progress in loads to achieve volitional fatigue between 5-8 repetitions (RPE 7-9). Phase 3 Power (Weeks 6-10) will use intensities between RPE 4-6 (15-20 repetitions) and execute each exercise at the highest possible velocity to focus on muscle power. The exercises, selected to emphasize functional movements relevant to daily activities. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- ≥18 years old
- ≥6 months post-stroke
- Able to walk >10 meters with or without the use of an assistive device
- Living in the community
- Mild to moderate stroke severity (modified Rankin Scale ≤3)
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Any contraindications to exercise for people with cardiovascular disease, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, orthostatic blood pressure with exercise, or uncontrolled arrhythmias
- Significant cognitive impairment that would preclude safe exercise participation (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <26)
- Actively engaged in stroke rehabilitation services
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Power-focused resistance trainingAlso: Power trainingParticipants will undergo 10 weeks of power-focused resistance training. | Other | Power Training |
Primary outcome
Feasibility: Participant recruitment
Time frame: Through study completion, over 13 months
Recruitment rates (n/week) and the number of recruited subjects (n) will be reported. Criteria for success include recruitment of ≥1 participant per month and n=15 recruited in ≤13 months.
Feasibility: Sex and gender distribution
Time frame: Through study completion, over 13 months
Recruitment of males and females, men, women and gender diverse participants will be recorded (n, %). Criteria for success is <60% (n<9) of any sex or gender identity.
Feasibility: Attendance and attrition
Time frame: Through study completion, over 13 months
Percentage of sessions attended (%) and lost to follow-up (n) will be reported. Criteria for success includes ≥85% sessions attended and ≤10% (n<2) lost to follow-up.
Feasibility: Serious and non-serious adverse events
Time frame: Through study completion, over 13 months
Number of adverse events (i.e., deaths, serious and non-serious adverse events, n) will be reported. Criteria for success is 0 deaths or serious adverse events and <5 non-serious adverse events.
Feasibility: Exercise tolerance
Time frame: Through study completion, over 13 months
Adherence to the prescribed exercises (%) and abnormal blood pressure responses to exercise (n) will be recorded. Criteria for success includes ≥85 of participants performing ≥85% of sets at the prescribed intensity, and ≤25% of weeks experiencing ≥1 abnormal blood pressure response (SBP ≥210 or ≥190 for males and females, respectively).
Feasibility: Satisfaction
Time frame: Immediately post-intervention (week 10)
Satisfaction will be measured with a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not at all satisfied, 2 = not satisfied, 3 = neither satisfied or not satisfied, 4 = satisfied, and 5 = completely satisfied). Criteria for success is ≥85% of participants reporting being satisfied or completely satisfied with the program.
8 secondary outcomes
Timed up and go test
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Short physical performance battery
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
30-second chair stand test
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Isokinetic power
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Isokinetic torque
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Isometric strength
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Global physical activity questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Stroke-Impact Scale (SIS-3.0)
Time frame: Baseline (week 0) and post-intervention (week 10)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Nov 2024.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42189006Noguchi KS, Abreu JA, Sanvido ZM, Bochnak P, McQuarrie A, Elliott B, Phillips SM, Beauchamp MK, Thabane L, Bell KE, Tang A. Power Exercise for Stroke Recovery: The POWER Feasibility Trial. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2026 Oct 1;50(4):212-222. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000561. Epub 2026 May 25.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Power-focused resistance training in people with Stroke, run by McMaster University at 1 site in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Nov 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Feasibility: Participant recruitment (time frame: Through study completion, over 13 months). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05816811, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Nov 2024.