Short summary

The present project comprises a randomised controlled trial (RCT) nested in a prospective cohort. The RCT study compares training with robot-assisted dynamic body weight unloading to standard training without body weight unloading in moderately-to-severely impaired stroke-affected individuals in the chronic phase. The prospective cohort investigates recovery of function according to standard rehabilitation i.e., 'usual care'.

Rationale

Stroke is the collective term for acute focal injuries to the central nervous system (CNS) caused by a disturbance in the blood circulation of the brain i.e., cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke) or intracerebral hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke). On an annual basis, 113,000 UK citizens and 12,000 Danish citizens are hospitalised following a stroke, and worldwide stroke is one of the leading causes of disability. Stroke-affected individuals may display residual impairments in motor, physical and cognitive functions along with mental fatigue and depression. Body weight unloading (BWU) has been suggested as a method of training for people with neurological disorders suffering from severe limitations in walking ability. BWU is the application of a vertical upwards force on the body centre of mass, thereby alleviating individuals of supporting their own body weight against gravity. However, the efficacy of BWU-based training is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the superior effect of late-phase robot-assisted versus standard training on motor function, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life in a moderately-to-severely impaired chronic stroke population following subacute rehabilitation.

Description of the cohort

Individuals with moderately-to-severely impaired physical function following an ischemic stroke will be included in the RCT at 6-18 months post-stroke (chronic phase).

Data and biological material

Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), clinical assessments, performance-based measurements, blood samples, data from patient records.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Bodil Eskesen Centeret, Department of Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Rigshospitalet.

• Christina Rostrup Kruuse

Neurobiology Research Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, SDU, Department of Neurology, OUH, and BRIDGE - Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

• Helle Hvilsted Nielsen
• Kate Lykke Lambertsen

Health Informatics and Technology, The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, SDU

• Anders Stengaard Sørensen

Research Unit of Muscle Physiology and Biomechanics, Department of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU

• Jens Bojsen-Møller