Sprinter vs Skater Coordination Synergy Training for Balance and Coordination in Chronic Stroke

NCT07658495 | Active Not Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: 2021-D-PT-086TUF/EIRB/252/26
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study compares two types of coordinative locomotor training - the sprinter coordination synergy and the skater coordination synergy - to improve balance and coordination in people with chronic stroke (more than six months after stroke). Twenty two participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sprinter-based or skater-based training for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks. Balance will be measured using the Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test. Coordination and functional mobility will be measured using the Timed Up and Go test. This study aims to determine which coordination synergy produces greater improvements, which may help physiotherapists choose more effective treatments for stroke survivors in Pakistan.

Conditions

Chronic Stroke Survivors; Post-stroke Balance Impairment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Balance as Measured by the Berg Balance Scale

  The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item objective measure of static and dynamic balance. Each item is scored from 0 (unable to perform) to 4 (independent performance). Total scores range from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance. Interpretation: 41-56 = low fall risk, 21-40 = medium fall risk, 0-20 = high fall risk. The scale is widely used in stroke rehabilitation research and has excellent reliability and validity.

  Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)

• Change in Dynamic Balance as Measured by the Functional Reach Test

  The Functional Reach Test (FRT) measures the maximum distance a person can reach forward from a standing position while maintaining a fixed base of support. Distance is measured in centimeters. Greater reach distance indicates better dynamic balance. Int

  Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)

• Change in Functional Mobility and Coordination as Measured by the Timed Up and Go Test

  The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures the time in seconds required to stand up from a standard armchair (seat height approximately 46 cm), walk 3 meters at a comfortable and safe pace, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again. Shorter ti

  Baseline (week 0, before first intervention session) and post-intervention (week 4, within 48 hours after the final intervention session)

Study Arms (2)

Sprinter Coordination Synergy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive Coordinative Locomotor Training using the sprinter coordination synergy for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks (total 12 sessions). The sprinter pattern mimics a runner's movement: on one side of the body, the upper extremity moves into flexion, adduction, and external rotation while the ipsilateral lower extremity moves into extension, adduction, and internal rotation. The opposite side performs the reciprocal pattern. Training is performed in four postures: supine, sitting, standing, and walking with support as tolerated. Each pattern is performed for 30-60 seconds per posture, repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed.

Other: CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy

Skater Coordination Synergy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive Coordinative Locomotor Training using the skater coordination synergy for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, for four weeks (total 12 sessions). The skater pattern mimics a speed skater's movement: on one side of the body, the upper extremity moves into flexion, abduction, and external rotation while the ipsilateral lower extremity moves into extension, adduction, and external rotation. The opposite side performs the reciprocal pattern. Training is performed in four postures: supine, sitting, standing, and walking with support as tolerated. Each pattern is performed for 30-60 seconds per posture, repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed.

Other: CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy

Interventions

CLT - Sprinter Coordination Synergy OTHER

What: Coordinative Locomotor Training using the sprinter coordination synergy. How: A trained physiotherapist manually guides the participant through diagonal, rotational movement patterns of upper and lower extremities simultaneously. The sprinter pattern involves: on one side, upper extremity flexion/adduction/external rotation with ipsilateral lower extremity extension/adduction/internal rotation; the contralateral side performs the reciprocal pattern. When: 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 4 consecutive weeks (total 12 sessions). How much: Each pattern performed for 30-60 seconds per posture (supine, sitting, standing, walking), repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed. By whom: Physiotherapist trained in PNF and CLT techniques.

Sprinter Coordination Synergy Group

CLT - Skater Coordination Synergy OTHER

What: Coordinative Locomotor Training using the skater coordination synergy . How: A trained physiotherapist manually guides the participant through diagonal, rotational movement patterns mimicking a speed skater. The skater pattern involves: on one side, upper extremity flexion/abduction/external rotation with ipsilateral lower extremity extension/adduction/external rotation; the contralateral side performs the reciprocal pattern. When: 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 4 consecutive weeks (total 12 sessions). How much: Each pattern performed for 30-60 seconds per posture (supine, sitting, standing, walking), repeated 5-10 times with rest periods as needed. By whom: Physiotherapist trained in PNF and CLT techniques.

Skater Coordination Synergy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Physician-diagnosed ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• Age between 30 and 60 years, inclusive
• Both male and female participants
• Time since stroke onset: 6 months or more (chronic stage)
• Able to stand or walk independently for at least 10 meters (with or without assistive device)
• Able to follow verbal instructions (Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥ 24 or equivalent clinical judgment)
• Able to provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Visual impairment that interferes with movement coordination
• Hearing deficit that prevents following instructions
• Vestibular dysfunction affecting balance
• Orthopedic disorders (fracture, joint deformity, severe arthritis, joint replacement) limiting movement
• Other neurological disorders besides stroke (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy)
• Contraindication to exercise as advised by physician
• Participation in another interventional rehabilitation study concurrently

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Faisalabad

Faisalābad, Punjan, 38000, Pakistan

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Participants, Outcomes Assessor
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 10, 2026
• First Posted: June 22, 2026
• Study Start: February 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2026
• Study Completion: July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)