High-Intensity Exercise for Aphasia

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+3 other locations

Overseen byMaria Ivanova, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this clinical trial is to establish the feasibility and fidelity of a high-intensity exercise program for individuals with post-stroke aphasia. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is it feasible for stroke survivors with aphasia to participate in a long in-person physical exercise program? * Does participation in a physical exercise program lead to physical fitness, cognitive, language and/or psychological changes? Participants can take part in two different physical exercise interventions: * Low intensity intervention (control intervention); * High-intensity physical exercise intervention (target intervention).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 18-80 who have had a stroke resulting in aphasia, are at least 6 months post-stroke, spoke English proficiently before the stroke, and have completed at least 8 years of education. They must be able to walk on their own or with a cane and cleared by a doctor for physical exercise. Those with dementia, other neurological illnesses besides stroke, substance abuse issues, significant visual/hearing disabilities, or uncontrolled heart/lung/metabolic conditions cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Proficient in English before the stroke

I am between 18 and 80 years old.

At least 8 years of education

+4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Per self-report uncontrolled cardiorespiratory and/or metabolic disorders incompatible with exercise

Significant visual or hearing disabilities (e.g., neglect, uncorrected visual or hearing loss) that interfere with testing

Prior history of dementia, neurologic illness (other than stroke), or substance abuse

Participant Groups

The study is testing whether people with post-stroke aphasia can stick to an intense workout program and if it helps improve their fitness level as well as cognitive and language abilities. Participants will either do low-intensity exercises (as a control group) or high-intensity workouts (as the target intervention).

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: High-intensity physical exerciseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The participants will take part in a high-intensity Aphasia Physical EXercise (APEX) intervention designed specifically for individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia for 8 weeks.

Group II: Low-intensity physical exerciseActive Control1 Intervention

The participants will participate in a low-intensity non-aerobic exercise program for 2 weeks.