The Effect of an Inpatient Home-work Exercise Program on Leg Function After Stroke

University of British Columbia142 enrolled

Overview

This study would focus on a new method of adding extra leg homework exercises to the usual therapy delivered in the hospital. We propose to design an exercise program for the affected leg that would be given to the client as homework and done in the client's hospital room or ward. The program would be designed and monitored by a therapist that works in the hospital.

In total 120 participants admitted for stroke rehabilitation in the province British Columbia, Canada will be randomly assigned to either the Leg Exercise group or Leg Management group. The extra leg exercise group (experimental group) will receive usual therapy plus 60 minutes per day of self-directed leg exercises. This program will last for 4 weeks while the participant is in the hospital. The Leg Exercise program will include exercises of range of motion, leg strengthening, weight-bearing, and walking. The family will be encouraged to participate in the program with the participant. The control group (Leg Management group) will receive usual therapy and stroke education.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

142

Conditions

Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)

Interventions

Leg Exercise ProgramBEHAVIORAL

Participants will engage in an extra 45-60 minutes per day of self-managed lower extremity homework exercises focused on improving strength, balance and walking ability.

Leg Management groupBEHAVIORAL

Therapist provides educational information about leg pain, recovery, bone density, and fall risk.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 19 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Have been admitted to a hospital unit for stroke treatment * 19 years or older * Are experiencing difficulty using legs * Able to understand and follow instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Have uncontrolled hypertension or unstable cardio-vascular condition * Injuries to muscles, bones, or joints of the leg * Unable to verbally speak or understand the investigators when asked questions

Locations (5)

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

Eagle Ridge Hospital

Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada

GF Strong Rehab Center

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Holy Family Hospital

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The primary outcome is gait speed

Time frame: 4 weeks post-intervention

Secondary Outcomes

The secondary outcomes will assess the effect of the experimental intervention on balance and physical activity

Time frame: 4 weeks post-baseline, then 6 and 12 months post-stroke

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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