Exercise and Motor Learning After Stroke (Study #3)

Despite significant time and money spent on post-stroke rehabilitation, stroke survivors are left with reduced walking capacity and significant disability. After stroke, individuals must relearn movements that have been disrupted due to damage to the brain, therefore, enhancing motor learning is critical to improving the rehabilitation of walking after stroke. In this project investigators will examine how individual factors influence motor learning after stroke and use this information to personalize post-stroke rehabilitation.

Inclusion criteria

Age 18-85 Single, unilateral, chronic stroke (>6 months post-stroke), confirmed by MRI or CT scan Score >1 on question 1b and >0 on question 1c of the NIH Stroke Scale Able to walk at self-selected speed without assistance from another person Resting heart rate between 40-100 beats per minute Resting blood pressure between 90/60 to 185/100

Exclusion criteria

Evidence of cerebellar stroke on clinical MRI or CT scan, because of role of cerebellum in learning Other neurologic conditions in addition to stroke Inability to walk outside the home prior to the stroke Coronary artery bypass graft or myocardial infarction within past 3 months, Musculoskeletal pain that limits walking Inability to communicate with investigators Visual field cut Neglect Unexplained dizziness in last 6 months