New exercise approach may boost fitness and balance in stroke survivors

NCT ID NCT04042961

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether reactive balance training—exercises that involve sudden pushes, pulls, or quick movements—can improve aerobic fitness and leg strength in people who had a stroke at least six months ago. The researchers expected that this training would be as good as standard aerobic and strength exercises for fitness, and possibly better for balance. The study enrolled 28 community-dwelling adults and was terminated early, so results are limited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Reactive balance training (a type of exercise that uses pushes, pulls, and agility tasks to improve balance reactions)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that reactive balance training is a time-efficient way to improve both fitness and balance after a stroke.

What could go wrong

The study was terminated early and enrolled only 28 people, so results may be limited. It is also a small, single-site trial, so findings may not apply to all stroke survivors.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CVA (CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2A2, Canada