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Chronic Stroke SurvivorsSPRINT-SKATENCT07658495

Sprinter vs Skater Coordination Synergy Training for Balance and Coordination in Chronic Stroke

A study testing CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy and CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy in people with Chronic Stroke Survivors and Post-stroke Balance Impairment, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study compares two types of coordinative locomotor training - the sprinter coordination synergy and the skater coordination synergy - to improve balance and coordination in people with chronic stroke (more than six months after stroke). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 30 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy and CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
22 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
1 Feb 2026to 1 Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 30 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Physician-diagnosed ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
  • Age between 30 and 60 years, inclusive
  • Both male and female participants
  • Time since stroke onset: 6 months or more (chronic stage)
  • Able to stand or walk independently for at least 10 meters (with or without assistive device)
  • Able to follow verbal instructions (Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥ 24 or equivalent clinical judgment)
  • Able to provide informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Visual impairment that interferes with movement coordination
  • Hearing deficit that prevents following instructions
  • Vestibular dysfunction affecting balance
  • Orthopedic disorders (fracture, joint deformity, severe arthritis, joint replacement) limiting movement
  • Other neurological disorders besides stroke (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy)
  • Contraindication to exercise as advised by physician
  • Participation in another interventional rehabilitation study concurrently

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Faisalabad

    Faisalābad, Punjan, 38000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Comparative Effects of Coordinative Locomotor Training Using Sprinter Versus Skater Coordination Synergies on Balance and Coordination in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study compares two types of coordinative locomotor training - the sprinter coordination synergy and the skater coordination synergy - to improve balance and coordination in people with chronic stroke (more than six months after stroke). Twenty two participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sprinter-based or skater-based training for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks. Balance will be measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test. Coordination and functional mobility will be measured using the Timed Up and Go test. This study aims to determine which coordination synergy produces greater improvements, which may help physiotherapists choose more effective treatments for stroke survivors in Pakistan.

Read the detailed description

Background: Chronic stroke survivors often experience persistent deficits in balance and coordination due to damage to motor control pathways in the brain. These deficits limit independence, increase fall risk, and reduce quality of life. Coordinative Locomotor Training (CLT) is a rehabilitation approach that integrates Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) patterns with whole-body movement sequences. The sprinter coordination synergy mimics a runner's movement: on one side, the upper extremity moves into flexion, adduction, and external rotation while the ipsilateral lower extremity moves into extension, adduction, and internal rotation. The skater coordination synergy mimics a speed skater: on one side, the upper extremity moves into flexion, abduction, and external rotation while the lower extremity moves into extension, adduction, and external rotation. Both patterns activate the whole body with one leg functioning in a closed chain position.

Objectives: To compare the effects of sprinter coordination synergy versus skater coordination synergy on: (1) static and dynamic balance measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Reach Test (FRT); (2) coordination and functional mobility measured by Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Secondary objectives include determining which technique shows significantly greater improvement and providing evidence-based recommendations for physiotherapy practice in Pakistan.

Study Design: Randomized, parallel-group, double-blind clinical trial.

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation department, Aziz Fatima Hospital and In Motion Clinic, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

Sample Size: Twenty-two participants (11 per group). Sample size calculated based on effect sizes from previous similar studies (Kim, Lee and Jung, 2015), with 20% allowance for attrition (n=4).

Eligibility Criteria: Adults aged 30-60 years with a physician-diagnosed ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke occurring at least six months prior. Participants must be able to stand or walk independently for at least 10 meters (with or without assistive device) and follow verbal instructions. Exclusion criteria include visual or hearing deficits, vestibular dysfunction, orthopedic disorders affecting movement, other neurological disorders, or any contraindication to exercise.

Intervention Protocol: Both groups receive 30-minute sessions, three times per week, for four weeks (total 12 sessions). Group A (n=11) performs CLT using the sprinter coordination synergy . Group B (n=11) performs CLT using the skater coordination synergy. Both interventions are delivered by a trained physiotherapist using standardized PNF techniques. Participants perform the patterns in four postures: supine, sitting, standing, and walking with support as tolerated. Each pattern is performed for 30-60 seconds per posture, repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed.

Outcome Measures: Assessments occur at baseline (pre-intervention, week 0) and after the final intervention session (week 4). Primary outcomes: Berg Balance Scale (14 items, scored 0-56, higher scores indicate better balance) and Functional Reach Test (distance in centimeters, greater distance indicates better dynamic balance), Timed Up and Go test (seconds to stand from chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit; shorter times indicate better functional mobility and coordination).

Statistical Analysis: Intention-to-treat analysis will be used. Normality of data will be assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test. Within-group comparisons will use paired t-test for normally distributed data or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for non-normal data. Between-group comparisons will use independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results will be presented in graphical and tabular form using SPSS version (latest available).

Expected Outcomes: Both sprinter and skater coordination synergy are expected to improve balance and coordination. This study will identify whether one coordination synergy produces superior results, providing evidence for targeted rehabilitation programs for chronic stroke patients in Pakistan.

Being tested
CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy, CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • CLT - Sprinter Coordination SynergyOther

    What: Coordinative Locomotor Training using the sprinter coordination synergy. How: A trained physiotherapist manually guides the participant through diagonal, rotational movement patterns of upper and lower extremities simultaneously. The sprinter pattern involves: on one side, upper extremity flexion/adduction/external rotation with ipsilateral lower extremity extension/adduction/internal rotation; the contralateral side performs the reciprocal pattern. When: 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 4 consecutive weeks (total 12 sessions). How much: Each pattern performed for 30-60 seconds per posture (supine, sitting, standing, walking), repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed. By whom: Physiotherapist trained in PNF and CLT techniques.

  • CLT - Skater Coordination SynergyOther

    What: Coordinative Locomotor Training using the skater coordination synergy . How: A trained physiotherapist manually guides the participant through diagonal, rotational movement patterns mimicking a speed skater. The skater pattern involves: on one side, upper extremity flexion/abduction/external rotation with ipsilateral lower extremity extension/adduction/external rotation; the contralateral side performs the reciprocal pattern. When: 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 4 consecutive weeks (total 12 sessions). How much: Each pattern performed for 30-60 seconds per posture (supine, sitting, standing, walking), repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed. By whom: Physiotherapist trained in PNF and CLT techniques.

Study groups in NCT07658495
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Sprinter Coordination Synergy GroupExperimentalParticipants receive Coordinative Locomotor Training using the sprinter coordination synergy for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks (total 12 sessions). The sprinter pattern mimics a runner's movement: on one side of the body, the upper extremity moves into flexion, adduction, and external rotation while the ipsilateral lower extremity moves into extension, adduction, and internal rotation. The opposite side performs the reciprocal pattern. Training is performed in four postures: supine, sitting, standing, and walking with support as tolerated. Each pattern is performed for 30-60 seconds per posture, repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed.
Receives: Other: CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy
Skater Coordination Synergy GroupExperimentalParticipants receive Coordinative Locomotor Training using the skater coordination synergy for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks (total 12 sessions). The skater pattern mimics a speed skater's movement: on one side of the body, the upper extremity moves into flexion, abduction, and external rotation while the ipsilateral lower extremity moves into extension, adduction, and external rotation. The opposite side performs the reciprocal pattern. Training is performed in four postures: supine, sitting, standing, and walking with support as tolerated. Each pattern is performed for 30-60 seconds per posture, repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed.
Receives: Other: CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Balance as Measured by the Berg Balance Scale

    The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item objective measure of static and dynamic balance. Each item is scored from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (independent performance). Total scores range from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance. Interpretation: 41-56 = low fall risk, 21-40 = medium fall risk, 0-20 = high fall risk. The scale is widely used in stroke rehabilitation research and has excellent reliability and validity.

    Measured: Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)

  2. Change in Dynamic Balance as Measured by the Functional Reach Test

    The Functional Reach Test (FRT) measures the maximum distance a person can reach forward from a standing position while maintaining a fixed base of support. Distance is measured in centimeters. Greater reach distance indicates better dynamic balance. Int

    Measured: Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)

  3. Change in Functional Mobility and Coordination as Measured by the Timed Up and Go Test

    The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures the time in seconds required to stand up from a standard armchair (seat height approximately 46 cm), walk 3 meters at a comfortable and safe pace, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again. Shorter ti

    Measured: Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Jun 2026
  2. Study start1 Feb 2026
  3. Primary completion15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
22 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07658495
Sponsor's protocol ID
2021-D-PT-086
Other IDs
TUF/EIRB/252/26
Acronym
SPRINT-SKATE
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
10 Jun 2026
Last updated
22 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy and CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy in people with Chronic Stroke Survivors and Post-stroke Balance Impairment, run by University of Faisalabad 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 7 inclusion and 7 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Jun 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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?

Change in Balance as Measured by the Berg Balance Scale (time frame: Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)). The study lists 3 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 22 Jun 2026.

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