Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of High-Intensity Gait Training in Individuals with Cerebellar Damage

High-Intensity Walking Training for Brain Movement Control

T
T. George Hornby

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years - 85 years
All
Phase N/A
10 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

The primary objective of this study is to determine the preliminary feasibility and safety of high intensity stepping training for individuals with chronic (>6 months) cerebellar damage. Additionally, the secondary aim of this study is to assess the comparative efficacy of high intensity stepping training and conventional training on locomotor recovery, specifically walking endurance.To date, no studies have attempted to maximize both the amount and cardiovascular intensity of stepping practice in patients with cerebellar disorders.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Recruitment will occur primarily from the inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, with secondary sources of recruitment from surrounding rehabilitation facilities via flyers/laboratory contact information provided to associated clinical staff and providers.

Detailed description of study

Following confirmation of eligibility and completion of both pre – and baseline testing, individuals will be randomized to receive up to 20 visits over approximately 8 weeks of either high intensity stepping or conventional training. Individuals will undergo repeated testing at 8 weeks or when 20 visits have been completed, then will begin a washout period of no less than one month. Individuals will then repeat testing and begin the crossover epoch with the alternative intervention and will aim to complete an identical number of sessions over the second 8 weeks of training. Post testing will occur after the final 8 weeks of training.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Stroke, Brain injury, Cerebellar dysfunction
  • Age: 18 years - 85 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion Criteria

•    Ages 18-85
•    >6 months following stroke, brain injury, or diagnosis of cerebellar dysfunction 
•    A total score of > 4 on items 5-8 on the SARA for the limb ipsilateral to cerebellar damage 
•    Ability to ambulate 10 m at self-selected gait speeds (SSV) •    Weight •    Able to follow 3-step command
•    Medical clearance to participate


Exclusion Criteria

•    Uncontrolled cardiopulmonary or metabolic disease that limits exercise participation, active heterotopic ossification, recurrent history of lower extremity fractures, previous orthopedic or other peripheral or central neurologic injury that may impair locomotor activities
•    Currently participating in other physical therapy
•    >50 units of Botox within the past three months in the lower extremity OR in the lower extremity, but above the knee if the participant wears an ankle-foot-orthosis
•    Individuals with greater than 50m variation on performance in 6MWT between Pre-Baseline and Baseline, indicating a clinically unstable functional mobility 
 

This study investigates the use of high-intensity gait training for people with cerebellar damage. Cerebellar damage can occur due to stroke, brain injury, or other conditions affecting the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain that helps control movement. The purpose of this study is to see if high-intensity stepping training is safe and feasible for these individuals and to compare its effectiveness to conventional training in improving walking endurance.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either high-intensity stepping training or conventional training. They will attend up to 20 training sessions over 8 weeks. After this period, they will take a break for at least one month before switching to the other type of training for another 8 weeks. Testing will be conducted before, during, and after each training period to assess progress.

  • Who can participate: Adults aged 18 to 85 with cerebellar damage who can walk 10 meters and follow instructions can join. Medical clearance is needed.
  • Study details: Participants will practice walking at different intensities in training sessions. They will switch training types after a washout period (a break period between treatments).
  • Study timelines and visits: The study will last 8 weeks per training period. The study requires 20 visits.
Updated on 15 Jun 2026. Study ID: PHMR-IIR-CEREBELLAR, 31611
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only