StrokeNCT07249658
Effects of Power and High-Intensity Gait Training for Functional Mobility an Ambulation in Chronic Stroke
A study testing power training + high-intensity gait training, power training and high-intensity gait training in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the combined effect of power training and high-intensity gait training on functional mobility and locomotion following chronic stroke. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke
- What is being tested?
- power training + high-intensity gait training, power training and high-intensity gait training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 21 Aug 2025to 21 Feb 2026
- 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 to 75 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 18 to 75 years of age
- more than ≥6 months of stroke onset
- first-ever unilateral ischemic stroke
- walking 10 meters independently with or without an assistive device
- being an independent ambulator (Functional Ambulation category >3)
Who cannot join
- people with a history of mental/cognitive illness
- combination with peripheral neuropathy
- having resting blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg even after taking medications;
- hemorrhagic stroke
- cardiovascular comorbidity
- any musculoskeletal condition that prevents or limits the participants from doing resistance training
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
National institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, NIRM
Islamabad, Punjab Province, 44000
About this study
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the combined effect of power training and high-intensity gait training on functional mobility and locomotion following chronic stroke.
Read the detailed description
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability, leaving many survivors with persistent motor and gait impairments such as muscle weakness, poor coordination, stiffness, and balance deficits. These problems often manifest as trunk and pelvic asymmetry, postural imbalance, and impaired weight shifting, resulting in abnormal gait patterns and reduced independence in daily life. Such limitations highlight the urgent need for effective, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.
Power training, which emphasizes high-velocity resistance exercises, has been shown to enhance torque development in the paretic limb and improve walking speed, endurance, and spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic stroke survivors. Similarly, high-intensity gait training (HIGT), which involves repetitive walking at challenging intensities, has demonstrated improvements in gait quality, endurance, and lower-limb biomechanics, particularly when integrated with robotic exosuits or structured clinical protocols. Both interventions have proven effective in enhancing functional mobility and quality of life.
However, research on the combined effects of power training and HIGT remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by examining how their synergistic application can optimize locomotion, reduce long-term disability, and promote social reintegration in individuals with chronic stroke. By providing evidence for more effective rehabilitation protocols, the findings have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and advance clinical practice.
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Being tested
- power training + high-intensity gait training, power training, high-intensity gait training
- Keywords
- gait training, strength, power, functional mobility, ambulation
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
power training + high-intensity gait trainingOther
This group will be given a combined program that comprises gait training and lower-limb power training, which will take place three times a week. The gait component will consist of overground walking at increased intensity and treadmill training whilst using a safety harness. At the initial stage, treadmill (1.5-2.0 mph) for a duration of 2 sets,3 minutes, and 10-minute overground moderate-intensity walking is offered with frequent rests. The intensity will be gradually increased throughout the program, with an increase in speeds on the treadmill to 2.0 mph (2.5 mph or 3.0 mph) (two sets of three minutes, then three sets of 3-4 minutes, and finally 5-10 minutes at moderate and high intensity) and overground walking (10-15 min to up to 20 min at high intensity).
power trainingOther
Individuals in the power training group will also train three times a week, including lower-limb resistance and functional strength work, applying a focus on explosive concentric effort. The exercise will consist of 3 sets (or 6 repetitions of stepping backward over a hurdle, warming up in sitting knee extension with resistance band, marching in a seat with a load on the ankle, transferring sit to stand, and hopping up on the box 46 inch). The number of sets will be increased as they are tolerated, beginning with 3 sets to 4 sets and ultimately up to 5 sets of each exercise as tolerated as the training progresses. The intensity will be progressed by raising the resistance ( box height) and performance speed.
high-intensity gait trainingOther
The members of this group will receive high-intensity gait training three days per week, taking into consideration both treadmill gait in a safety harness and overground gait. Initial training will start with a treadmill speed of 1.5 2.0 mph, two sets/3 minutes each, and 15 minutes overground walking at moderate intensity, and rest breaks when necessary. The progression will entail a gradual increase in the speeds on the treadmill to 2.0-2.5 mph (three sets of 3 minutes) and subsequently to 2.5 3.0 mph (three sets of 3 4 minutes) with the overground walking time extended to 15-20 mins and subsequently to 20 minutes at greater intensities.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: power training + high-intensity gait training | Experimental | This group will be given a combined program that comprises gait training and lower-limb power training, three times a week. The gait component will consist of overground walking at increased intensity and treadmill training whilst using a safety harness. At the initial stage, treadmill (1.5-2.0 mph) for a duration of 2 sets,3 minutes, and 10-minute overground moderate-intensity walking is offered with frequent rests. The intensity will be gradually increased throughout the program, with an increase in speeds on the treadmill to 2.0 mph (2.5 mph or 3.0 mph) (two sets of three minutes, then three sets of 3-4 minutes, and finally 5-10 minutes at moderate and high intensity) and overground walking (10-15 min to up to 20 min at high intensity). Receives: Other: power training + high-intensity gait training |
| Control 1: power training | Active comparator | Individuals in the power training group will also train three times a week, including lower-limb resistance and functional strength work, applying a focus on explosive concentric effort. The exercise will consist of 3 sets (or 6 repetitions of stepping backward over a hurdle, warming up in sitting knee extension with resistance band, marching in a seat with a load on the ankle, transferring sit to stand, and hopping up on the box 46 inch). The number of sets will be increased as they are tolerated, beginning with 3 sets to 4 sets and ultimately up to 5 sets of each exercise as tolerated as the training progresses. The intensity will be progressed by raising the resistance ( box height) and performance speed. Receives: Other: power training |
| Control 2: High-intensity gait training | Active comparator | This group will receive high-intensity gait training three days per week, taking into consideration both treadmill gait in a safety harness and overground gait. Initial training will start with a treadmill speed of 1.5 2.0 mph, two sets/3 minutes each, and 15 minutes overground walking at moderate intensity, and rest breaks when necessary. The progression will entail a gradual increase in the speeds on the treadmill to 2.0-2.5 mph (three sets of 3 minutes) and subsequently to 2.5 3.0 mph (three sets of 3 4 minutes) with the overground walking time extended to 15-20 mins and subsequently to 20 minutes at greater intensities. Receives: Other: high-intensity gait training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST)
The FTSST developed by Csuka and McCarty (1985) is a very reliable tool to measure sitting and standing performance as well as lower limb muscle strength and balance. It is a single-item test where the participant is required to rise from a chair and sit down five consecutive times as quickly as possible without using the arms. The score is recorded as the total time taken in seconds to complete the task.
Measured: 6 weeks
Tmed Up and Go Test
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a commonly used outcome measure that can assess activity limitations in the ICF model by examining the patient's ability to ambulate and perform transfers.
Measured: 6 weeks
10 meter Walk Test
The 10-Meter Walk Test was developed as a simple, quick, and reliable measure of gait speed. It is a single-item test where the participant walks 10 meters, with timing recorded for the middle 6 meters to exclude acceleration and deceleration phases. It is widely used to assess functional mobility, walking ability, and community ambulation in populations such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, geriatrics, and rehabilitation patients.
Measured: 6 weeks
Barthel index
Assesses the level of independence in daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, and mobility, in individuals with physical disabilities. Literature showed strong criterion-related validity against the BI, with high reliability. This scoring system may become a convenient tool, allowing anyone to assess ADL.
Measured: 6 weeks
Functional Gait Assessment
Measures balance and gait under various challenging conditions to assess fall risk and overall gait stability. The Functional Gait Assessment is a reliable, valid tool. It is composed of 10 items, each scored 0-3 (0 = severe impairment, 3 = normal performance). Maximum score = 30. Lower scores indicate higher risk of falls; ≤22/30 is often used as a cutoff for increased fall risk.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Nov 2025
- Study start21 Aug 2025
- Primary completion21 Feb 2026
- Study completion21 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International 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
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Fatima Khan, MS-NMPT*, Principal investigator, Riphah International UnversityArshad Nawaz Malik, PhD Rehab, Study chair, Riphah International Unversity
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07249658
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 02166 / Fatima Khan
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 27 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Power and High-Intensity Gait Training for Functional Mobility an Ambulation in Chronic Stroke
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07249658
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 02166 / Fatima Khan
- Conditions
- Stroke
- Keywords
- gait training, strength, power, functional mobility, ambulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 21 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 21 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 21 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 25 Nov 2025 (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.
This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the combined effect of power training and high-intensity gait training on functional mobility and locomotion following chronic stroke.
Detailed description
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability, leaving many survivors with persistent motor and gait impairments such as muscle weakness, poor coordination, stiffness, and balance deficits. These problems often manifest as trunk and pelvic asymmetry, postural imbalance, and impaired weight shifting, resulting in abnormal gait patterns and reduced independence in daily life. Such limitations highlight the urgent need for effective, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies.
Power training, which emphasizes high-velocity resistance exercises, has been shown to enhance torque development in the paretic limb and improve walking speed, endurance, and spatiotemporal gait parameters in chronic stroke survivors. Similarly, high-intensity gait training (HIGT), which involves repetitive walking at challenging intensities, has demonstrated improvements in gait quality, endurance, and lower-limb biomechanics, particularly when integrated with robotic exosuits or structured clinical protocols. Both interventions have proven effective in enhancing functional mobility and quality of life.
However, research on the combined effects of power training and HIGT remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by examining how their synergistic application can optimize locomotion, reduce long-term disability, and promote social reintegration in individuals with chronic stroke. By providing evidence for more effective rehabilitation protocols, the findings have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and advance clinical practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: power training + high-intensity gait training | Experimental | Other: power training + high-intensity gait trainingThis group will be given a combined program that comprises gait training and lower-limb power training, three times a week. The gait component will consist of overground walking at increased intensity and treadmill training whilst using a safety harness. At the initial stage, treadmill (1.5-2.0 mph) for a duration of 2 sets,3 minutes, and 10-minute overground moderate-intensity walking is offered with frequent rests. The intensity will be gradually increased throughout the program, with an increase in speeds on the treadmill to 2.0 mph (2.5 mph or 3.0 mph) (two sets of three minutes, then three sets of 3-4 minutes, and finally 5-10 minutes at moderate and high intensity) and overground walking (10-15 min to up to 20 min at high intensity). |
| Control 1: power training | Active comparator | Other: power trainingIndividuals in the power training group will also train three times a week, including lower-limb resistance and functional strength work, applying a focus on explosive concentric effort. The exercise will consist of 3 sets (or 6 repetitions of stepping backward over a hurdle, warming up in sitting knee extension with resistance band, marching in a seat with a load on the ankle, transferring sit to stand, and hopping up on the box 46 inch). The number of sets will be increased as they are tolerated, beginning with 3 sets to 4 sets and ultimately up to 5 sets of each exercise as tolerated as the training progresses. The intensity will be progressed by raising the resistance ( box height) and performance speed. |
| Control 2: High-intensity gait training | Active comparator | Other: high-intensity gait trainingThis group will receive high-intensity gait training three days per week, taking into consideration both treadmill gait in a safety harness and overground gait. Initial training will start with a treadmill speed of 1.5 2.0 mph, two sets/3 minutes each, and 15 minutes overground walking at moderate intensity, and rest breaks when necessary. The progression will entail a gradual increase in the speeds on the treadmill to 2.0-2.5 mph (three sets of 3 minutes) and subsequently to 2.5 3.0 mph (three sets of 3 4 minutes) with the overground walking time extended to 15-20 mins and subsequently to 20 minutes at greater intensities. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- 18 to 75 years of age
- more than ≥6 months of stroke onset
- first-ever unilateral ischemic stroke
- walking 10 meters independently with or without an assistive device
- being an independent ambulator (Functional Ambulation category >3)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- people with a history of mental/cognitive illness
- combination with peripheral neuropathy
- having resting blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg even after taking medications;
- hemorrhagic stroke
- cardiovascular comorbidity
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 training + high-intensity gait trainingThis group will be given a combined program that comprises gait training and lower-limb power training, which will take place three times a week. The gait component will consist of overground walking at increased intensity and treadmill training whilst using a safety harness. At the initial stage, treadmill (1.5-2.0 mph) for a duration of 2 sets,3 minutes, and 10-minute overground moderate-intensity walking is offered with frequent rests. The intensity will be gradually increased throughout the program, with an increase in speeds on the treadmill to 2.0 mph (2.5 mph or 3.0 mph) (two sets of three minutes, then three sets of 3-4 minutes, and finally 5-10 minutes at moderate and high intensity) and overground walking (10-15 min to up to 20 min at high intensity). | Other | Experimental: power training + high-intensity gait training |
| power trainingIndividuals in the power training group will also train three times a week, including lower-limb resistance and functional strength work, applying a focus on explosive concentric effort. The exercise will consist of 3 sets (or 6 repetitions of stepping backward over a hurdle, warming up in sitting knee extension with resistance band, marching in a seat with a load on the ankle, transferring sit to stand, and hopping up on the box 46 inch). The number of sets will be increased as they are tolerated, beginning with 3 sets to 4 sets and ultimately up to 5 sets of each exercise as tolerated as the training progresses. The intensity will be progressed by raising the resistance ( box height) and performance speed. | Other | Control 1: power training |
| high-intensity gait trainingThe members of this group will receive high-intensity gait training three days per week, taking into consideration both treadmill gait in a safety harness and overground gait. Initial training will start with a treadmill speed of 1.5 2.0 mph, two sets/3 minutes each, and 15 minutes overground walking at moderate intensity, and rest breaks when necessary. The progression will entail a gradual increase in the speeds on the treadmill to 2.0-2.5 mph (three sets of 3 minutes) and subsequently to 2.5 3.0 mph (three sets of 3 4 minutes) with the overground walking time extended to 15-20 mins and subsequently to 20 minutes at greater intensities. | Other | Control 2: High-intensity gait training |
Primary outcome
five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST)
Time frame: 6 weeks
The FTSST developed by Csuka and McCarty (1985) is a very reliable tool to measure sitting and standing performance as well as lower limb muscle strength and balance. It is a single-item test where the participant is required to rise from a chair and sit down five consecutive times as quickly as possible without using the arms. The score is recorded as the total time taken in seconds to complete the task.
Tmed Up and Go Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a commonly used outcome measure that can assess activity limitations in the ICF model by examining the patient's ability to ambulate and perform transfers.
10 meter Walk Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
The 10-Meter Walk Test was developed as a simple, quick, and reliable measure of gait speed. It is a single-item test where the participant walks 10 meters, with timing recorded for the middle 6 meters to exclude acceleration and deceleration phases. It is widely used to assess functional mobility, walking ability, and community ambulation in populations such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, geriatrics, and rehabilitation patients.
Barthel index
Time frame: 6 weeks
Assesses the level of independence in daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, and mobility, in individuals with physical disabilities. Literature showed strong criterion-related validity against the BI, with high reliability. This scoring system may become a convenient tool, allowing anyone to assess ADL.
Functional Gait Assessment
Time frame: 6 weeks
Measures balance and gait under various challenging conditions to assess fall risk and overall gait stability. The Functional Gait Assessment is a reliable, valid tool. It is composed of 10 items, each scored 0-3 (0 = severe impairment, 3 = normal performance). Maximum score = 30. Lower scores indicate higher risk of falls; ≤22/30 is often used as a cutoff for increased fall risk.
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 27 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Fatima Khan, MS-NMPT* principal investigator
Riphah International Unversity
Arshad Nawaz Malik, PhD Rehab study chair
Riphah International Unversity
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 training + high-intensity gait training, power training and high-intensity gait training in people with Stroke, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 6 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 27 Mar 2026. 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 Pakistan. 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?
five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 27 Mar 2026.