Split-Belt Gait Retraining in Subacute Stroke

Starting soon · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Stroke

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07601633

Run by

University of British Columbia

People needed

30

Starts

2026-06-01

Expected to finish

2029-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-22

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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

You may not qualify if…

• 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

Where it is running

• GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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