Protein plus exercise may boost stroke recovery
NCT ID NCT02347995
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tests whether drinking a protein beverage after leg-strengthening exercises helps stroke survivors rebuild muscle better than exercise alone. About 93 people who had a stroke more than 3 months ago will take part. Researchers will measure changes in thigh muscle size, strength, and walking ability.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- protein supplement
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple way to help stroke survivors regain muscle and function through exercise plus protein.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 93 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The protein drink may not provide extra benefit over exercise alone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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93 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2015
- Finished
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Aug 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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30 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Stroke \> 3 months prior * Completion of all regular post-stroke physical therapy * Adequate language and neurocognitive function to participate in testing and training and to provide informed consent * Able to walk 10 meters without human assistance Exclusion Criteria: * Regular structured resistive exercise (\>2x/week) * Alcohol consumption \>3 ounces (oz.) liquor, 3 x 4oz. glasses of wine, or 3 x 12oz beers/day, by self report * Neurological history of: a) dementia by clinical evaluation, b) severe receptive or global aphasia, which confounds testing and training, operationally defined as unable to follow 2 point commands, c) untreated major depression by clinical interview * Medical History: a) recent hospitalization (less than 3 months prior to study entry) for severe medical disease, b) orthopedic or chronic pain condition restricting exercise, c) pulmonary or renal failure, d) active cancer, e) untreated poorly controlled hypertension measured on at least 2 occasions (greater than 190/100) f) untreated and / or poorly controlled diabetes with fasting blood glucose of greater than 170 and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) greater than 10.0, grams (g) medications: oral steroids, h) currently pregnant * Cardiac history of: a) unstable angina, b) recent (less than 3 months prior to study entry) myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure (NYHA category II-IV); c) hemodynamically significant valvular dysfunction * Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, might interfere with the subject's participation in the study, poses any added risk for the subject, or confounds the assessment of the subject
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
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