Did you have a stroke more than 6 months ago that left you weak on one side of your body and do you continue to experience difficulty walking?

If you answered yes, you may be a candidate for a current stroke research study sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Rehabilitation Research and Development Center in Palo Alto:

What is the purpose of the study?
This study will test the effectiveness of an exercise program for improving leg mobility and function in persons who have hade a stroke. The exercise program is intended to strengthen and improve the weight-bearing capability of the weaker leg.

What would I be doing if I volunteered?
Volunteers accepted into this study will be assigned to one of two leg strengthening exercise programs. In addition, all volunteers will undergo training in functional walking.

How much of my time would be required if I volunteered?
All volunteers must attend 3 to 5 one-hour sessions each week for 21 weeks. The 21 weeks are broken down into activities as follows:

Evaluations	3 weeks
Exercise	8 weeks
Evaluations	1 week
Exercise & Gait	4 weeks
Evaluations	1 week
Rest	3 weeks
Evaluations	1 week

Are there any risks or benefits of this study?
We expect that the risks and benefits to volunteers will be comparable to those incurred from any kind of intensive leg strengthening exercises. We cannot and do not guarantee or promise that volunteers will receive any benefits from this study.

How do I know if I qualify?
Since the movements are simple, we expect that the exercise will be appropriate for volunteer subjects at all levels of recovery following a stroke. All potential volunteer subjects are required to undergo an initial 90 minute screening interview consisting of a medical history, a limited physical exam, and cognitive testing. This testing will insure that this is a safe and appropriate study for participants.

When will this study take place?
This study is being conducted from November 1997 until October 1999. Our next group will start in January, 1998. We are always looking for volunteers to join our study.

Who is financing for this study?
This study is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service.

Will I get paid if I volunteer?
No payment will be provided for participation in this project.

Will I have to pay to participate?
Any transportation costs will have to be paid by the volunteers. There is no charge, however, for the evaluation and therapy that study participants receive.

Who are the study investigators?

Project Team (left to right)

Charles G. Burgar, MD - Co-Prinicpal Investigator
Leslie Torburn, MS, PT
Julie Harvey, MS
M. Elise Johanson, MS, PT
Cheryl D. Pierson-Carey, MS, PT
Betty S. Troy, MS, BME
Christine A. Dairaghi, BS
David A. Brown, PhD, PT - Co-Principal Investigator

Where does the study take place?
The study is conducted at:
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Rehabilitation Research and Development Center - Building 51
3801 Miranda Ave., Mail Stop 153
Palo Alto, CA 94304

How do I get there?
Here are directions and maps.

How do I contact to get more information or sign up for the study?
Cheryl D. Pierson-Carey, MS, PT

Thank you for your interest!