Research Study for Stroke Survivors

[APA]

Research Study for Stroke Survivors

The Howard County Office on Aging is collaborating with the VA Maryland Health Care System and other organizations, to conduct an exercise research study for individuals having trouble walking as a result of a stroke that occurred at least six months ago. Studies have shown that exercise can improve health, fitness, and walking ability among stroke survivors. If you still walk with a limp, or use a cane or walker, you may be eligible to participate in this research study. This study will compare the effects of two different exercise programs.

The exercise study sessions will meet for one hour three days a week for six months. Exercise classes will be held at selected Howard County sites. Participants will be assigned to one of two different exercise programs. One program consists mainly of seated exercise focusing on improving range of motion and increasing strength. The other program focuses on exercises designed to improve balance and walking.

There is no cost to participate. All participants will receive a medical evaluation prior to the start of the study.

Participants will be evaluated before beginning the exercise class, at the midpoint of the class, and again at the end of the class. Evaluations will include timed walks, questionnaires, and interviews. Participants will also be asked to wear an ankle monitor which counts the number of steps taken in a 48 hour period. For more information about participating in this study, please call 410-605-7000 x4842.


The principal investigators of this study are Mary Stuart, Sc.D., PI, Research Service, VA Maryland Health Care System; Director and Professor, UMBC Health Administration and Policy Program; (410-455-1390); Richard Macko, MD Co-PI and Director, Maryland Exercise and Robotics Center of Excellence (MERCE), VA Maryland Health Care System; Alex Dromerick, MD, Director, Neuroscience Research Center, National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH).

This study is being conducted in collaboration with the VA Maryland Health Care System; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Maryland Baltimore; National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC; the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC; and the Howard County Maryland Office on Aging. Funding is provided by the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC.

This study has been approved by the UMBC Institutional Review Board for use of human participants but is not endorsed by the campus administration or representatives of the UMBC Institutional Review Board.