The Effect of BWSTT on Neuroendocrine Profile and Functional Recovery in Stroke Patients

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of intensive Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (BWSTT) on the neuroendocrine system and functional recovery in patients during the subacute phase of ischemic stroke. The investigators aim to determine how structured locomotor training influences the concentration of selected neurohormones and how these changes correlate with improvements in gait and balance. Participants undergo a 3-week intensive rehabilitation program, with assessments performed before and after the intervention to identify biomarkers of recovery.

Conditions

• Stroke, Ischemic
• Subacute Stroke

Interventions

DEVICE

Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (BWSTT)

BWSTT was performed 15 times (30 min, 5 days/week, 3 weeks) using the Parestand device with 25% dynamic body weight support. Intensity was set at 40-85% HRR (Karvonen formula) and monitored via HR, SpO2 (\>94%), and Borg scale (\<4). Sessions followed AHA/ASA guidelines: 3-min warm-up, incremental main phase, and 3-min cool-down. The physiotherapist provided manual facilitation (pelvic stabilization, knee control) and auditory stimulation (motor priming) to improve gait symmetry. Progression involved increasing speed and duration based on tolerance. Safety criteria for termination included pain, dyspnea, SpO2 \<94%, or Borg scale \>7/10. In the morning (08:00-10:00), all participants received a standardized 90-min neurorehabilitation session (NDT-Bobath/PNF) focusing on muscle tone normalization and postural control. This combined approach ensured motor priming prior to the gait-specific intervention.

BEHAVIORAL

Overground Training

Overground gait training was performed 15 times (30 min, 5 days/week, 3 weeks). Intensity was matched to the experimental group using the Karvonen formula (40-85% HRR) and Borg scale (\<4). Sessions followed an identical structure (3-min warm-up/cool-down) and progression rules. Patients ambulated independently or with orthopedic aids. The physiotherapist supervised each session, correcting the gait pattern using neurophysiological techniques (hip approximation, manual resistance) to facilitate motor activity and ensure safety against falls. In the morning (08:00-10:00), all participants received the same standardized 90-min neurorehabilitation session (NDT-Bobath/PNF) focusing on muscle tone normalization and postural control to ensure motor priming. This baseline therapy was identical for both groups, with the gait training environment (overground vs. treadmill with BWS) being the primary differentiating factor.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Jagiellonian University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Beata Stach · Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2017-07-03

Primary Completion

2019-04-20

Completion

2024-05-24

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations