NCT07601633Not yet recruiting
Split-Belt Gait Retraining in Subacute Stroke
Physiotherapist-Led Split-Belt Treadmill Gait Retraining for Individuals With Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 22 May 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in adults. Although many individuals regain independent walking ability following stroke, nearly 50% experience persistent gait impairments characterized by asymmetrical walking patterns, slower walking speed, impaired balance, and increased fall risk. These persistent mobility limitations highlight the continued need for innovative rehabilitation strategies that improve gait function during stroke recovery. Split-belt treadmill walking (SBTW), in which each leg walks at a different belt speed, has demonstrated potential to improve step length symmetry in individuals with chronic stroke. However, the effects of SBTW during the subacute stage of stroke recovery, within the first 9 months post-stroke when neuroplasticity may be heightened, remain largely unknown. In addition, previous SBTW studies have not integrated active physiotherapist-led gait retraining into the intervention, despite physiotherapist-led gait rehabilitation representing standard clinical care following stroke. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare physiotherapist-led gait retraining using a traditional treadmill training protocol to physiotherapist-led gait retraining integrated with a split-belt treadmill training protocol during the first 9 months post-stroke. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of the use of split-belt treadmill training to augment physiotherapist-led gait retraining to improve between-leg gait symmetry and overground walking speed.
- Status (registry)
- Not yet recruiting
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 30 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 15 May 2026
- Start date
- 1 Jun 2026
- Primary completion date
- 1 Jan 2029
- Lead sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Diseases
- Stroke
- NCT number
- NCT07601633
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Planned participants: 30
- From 1 Jun 2026 to the primary completion date, 1 Jan 2029
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Other illness
- medically unfit to participate e.g. cardiac or respiratory disease limiting ability to perform walking tasks
- neuromuscular impairment, other than stroke, limiting mobility, e.g. ankle sprain, joint disease such as severe arthritis
- cognitive/communication impairment impacting ability to follow instructions
- diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety disorders requiring medication
Who the study is looking for
- unilateral stroke resulting in hemiparesis
- less than 9 months post-stroke
- ability to walk ten metres with or without walking aids
- ability to stand without support for five minutes
- English speaking
Age in the registry: 18 years to - · Sex: All · Does not accept healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | Vancouver | Canada | Unknown status |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.