Is There a Relationship Between the Ability of the Trunk and Lower Extremities and Walking Function After Stroke?

Stroke leads to impairments at different levels. Not only walking abilities are impaired after stroke but also trunk function, strength, balance and functional performance. Even in the latter phase after stroke, both walking abilities and trunk function remain restricted.

Restoring walking function is often the main goal of rehabilitation after stroke and the focus of post-stroke physiotherapy is often on regaining walking and mobility. Reduced walking ability after stroke is a predictor for discharge to a nursing home and associated with an increased probability of death. In addition, walking endurance, measured by a six-minute walking test, has a high correlation with community reintegration after a stroke.

Both trunk function and the ability to walk are often limited after stroke. A previous study observed that a significant correlation exists between these two functions, when measured with standardized clinical measurement scales . Due to the functional relevance and the link between both functions, further investigation however is warranted. Current lack of knowledge exists in investigating the relation between trunk and gait muscle strength, and this is key for informing clinical practice. For instance, should trunk muscle strength be a significant determinant of gait function, therapy should incorporate specific training for improving trunk muscle strength.

The primary objective of the study is to investigate if trunk muscle function in combination with lower limb muscle function are significant determinants of walking ability after stroke.

Secondly, the investigators will examine if there are other determinants such as cognition, balance, spasticity, ability of performing selective movements and sensitivity of the lower extremities for walking ability.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Catholic University Leuven

Leuven, 3000, Belgium

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

First stroke event.
Residence in a rehabilitation ward.
Two weeks until six months after a stroke event.
Older than 18 years.
With no comorbidities other than stroke affecting trunk function or walking ability.

Comorbidities could be musculoskeletal problems or other neurological diseases.

With sufficient cognitive and language capacity to perform the assessment.

Exclusion criteria

Not able to give informed consent.
Not approved informed consent.
Subject does not understand the study procedures.
Subject has any history of a major neurological disorder.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Walking speed

Time frame: In the rehabilitation phase (2 weeks to 6 months after stroke)

The investigators will measure walking speed by the 10 Meter Timed Walking Test .

In this test, participants have to walk for 10 meter on an even underground. The outcome will be reported in meter by seconds. This test is reliable and valid. The test will be performed twice. The first time with walking aid. The second time without walking aid if the patient is able to walk without walking aid. Each test consists of two conditions: Walking at comfortable speed and at maximum speed. Each condition will be performed three times. Patient safety will be guaranteed by a therapist walking next to the patient. Walking speed will also be registered using the GAITRite, which is a CE-marked rehabilitation device. This is an electronic single layer pressure sensitive walkway measuring temporal and spatial parameters. Its has an excellent concurrent validity for maximum walking speed with the 10 Meter Timed Walking Test (ICC=0.94, 95% CI= 0.91-0.96).
Walking capacity

Time frame: In the rehabilitation phase (2 weeks to 6 months after stroke)

The functional ambulation categories (FAC) examines the level of walking capacity. This test is a six-point scale and it reflects the ability to walk independently on an all undergrounds. It ranges from non-functional walking (FAC 0) to walking independently on an unstable surface (FAC 5). FAC 1 stands for dependent walking with continuous or intermittent support from one person to help with balance and coordination. FAC 2 indicates dependent walking with intermittent support. FAC 3 represents walking with supervision and participants score a FAC 4 when able to walk independently on an even underground. A higher score represents a better outcome. At first, the investigators will evaluate in this test if the participant is able to walk with or without aid or supervision therapists. If this is possible, then the assessor evaluates if walking is possible only on an even (indoor) or uneven (outdoor) surface. In this test, the participants will be allowed to use a walking aid.
Walking endurance

Time frame: In the rehabilitation phase (2 weeks to 6 months after stroke)

The investigators will evaluate the endurance of walking by using the two-minute walk test (2MWT). The participants walk for two minutes at a standardized indoor walking track and may use a walking aid. The distance in meter is the outcome of this test. Participants can take breaks without stopping the time on the stopwatch.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

KU Leuven

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigating the Relation Between Trunk Function and Function of the Lower Extremities in Relation to Post Stroke Gait

Important dates

Study start: 2019
Primary completion: 2020
Study completion: 2021
First posted: Aug 28, 2019
Registry last updated: Mar 15, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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