Split-Belt Gait Retraining in Subacute Stroke
Physiotherapist-Led Split-Belt Treadmill Gait Retraining for Individuals With Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
1 other identifier
interventional
30
1 country
1
Brief Summary
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.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable stroke
Started Jun 2026
Typical duration for not_applicable stroke
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
May 15, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
May 22, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
June 1, 2026
ExpectedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
January 1, 2029
Study Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
July 1, 2029
May 22, 2026
May 1, 2026
2.6 years
May 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (2)
Step length symmetry
Baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up
Self-selected gait speeds
Self-selected gait speeds at both comfortable and fast speed will be measured by overground 10 meter walk tests
Baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up
Study Arms (2)
Split-belt treadmill training
EXPERIMENTALParticipants will complete 12 gait training sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week) on an instrumented split-belt treadmill involving both split-belt and tied-belt walking conditions. A physiotherapist will provide gait retraining during each training session.
Traditional treadmill training
NO INTERVENTIONParticipants will complete 12 gait training sessions over 4 weeks (3 sessions/week) on an instrumented treadmill under tied-belt walking conditions only. A physiotherapist will provide gait retraining during each training session.
Interventions
Participants randomized to the split-belt training group will complete 12 sessions of split-belt treadmill walking training over 4 weeks, delivered 3 times per week. Training will be performed on an instrumented split-belt treadmill and will include split-belt and tied-belt walking conditions. A physiotherapist will provide gait retraining during each session.
Eligibility Criteria
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
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 2G9, Canada
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Assistant Professor
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
May 15, 2026
First Posted
May 22, 2026
Study Start (Estimated)
June 1, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
January 1, 2029
Study Completion (Estimated)
July 1, 2029
Last Updated
May 22, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-05
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will share
- Shared Documents
- STUDY PROTOCOL
- Time Frame
- Beginning 3 months and ending 3 years after the publication of results
- Access Criteria
- The PI will accept a proposal that describes planned analyses and assess the need for a data sharing agreement.
IPD that underlie results in a publication will be shared.