Overview
The goal of this study is to compare between Eccentric training and conventional therapy in sub-acute stroke survivors. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate improvements in gait speed after four months of ET in comparison to conventional therapy for patients with sub-acute stroke. Secondary objectives involve assessing: i) modifications in neuromuscular parameters of PF, ii) changes in muscle stiffness within PF during passive mobilization and active force generation, and iii) modifications in architectural parameters of PF.
Description
This study will be a single-blinded, controlled, randomized design, wherein participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Conventional Therapy Group (CTG) or the Eccentric Training Group (ETG). Both groups will undergo a comprehensive series of assessments at three key time points: Ji (initial assessment), Jint (intermediate assessment), and Jf (final assessment). The study will commence with a recruitment phase, followed by a screening phase. Subsequently, there will be a 4-week period allocated for experimental testing before the intervention, and an additional 4 weeks for experimental testing after the intervention. These assessments will encompass a wide range of evaluations, including clinical health assessments, biomechanical assessments, neuromuscular evaluations, and functional assessments
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Subacute hemiparesis (> 3 months)
- BMI between 18.5 and 25
- Written consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Ankle impairment
- Botulinum toxin injections in PF within the last 4 months before study inclusion
- Medical contraindication for maximal effort
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders
- History of epilepsy.