Effect of perturbation-based balance training on physical fitness post-stroke

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (KITE) - University Health Network, Mobility, Stroke, Research, Rehabilitation

Regular exercise is important for everyone, including people who have had a stroke. There are different types of exercise, including exercise that improves heart function (‘cardio’ or aerobic exercise), exercise that increases muscle strength, and exercise that improves balance. But most people find that they do not have time to do all types of exercise. Some exercises may improve heart function, strength, and balance at the same time. The purpose of this study is to see if a new type of exercise that improves balance will also improve heart function and strength in people who have had a stroke.

Your Impact

Given the competing demands on the limited time and energy of those with stroke, it will be important to know if multiple components of fitness can be targeted with a single type of exercise. We hope that our findings can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation.

Eligibility Criteria

All genders

At least 18 years old

Had a stroke more than 6 months ago

Can stand without support for more than 30 seconds

Study Tasks

Pre-exercise program assessment

Post-exercise program assessment

Follow-up questionnaire

12 week fitness program or balance training program

Ethics

Approved for posting

Keywords

Stroke

Exercise

Balance training

Balance

Physical activity

Activity and Time

Health and Wellness, Kinesiology

Clinical Trial

Weekdays

12 weeks total, 36 sessions

You will participate in either a fitness exercise program or balance exercise program, that will last for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the balance training program.