Effect of constraint standing training on balance and gait in hemiparetic stroke patients: a single-blind randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND: Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) has demonstrated significant potential in rehabilitating lower extremity motor impairments following stroke. However, mCIMT's application is often limited by the need for specialized devices to constrain the non-affected extremity and longer training duration. Constraint Standing Training (CST) is a novel variation of mCIMT that addresses these limitations by eliminating the need for constraining devices and reducing training time, thereby enhancing its feasibility for clinical implementation. Despite these advantages, the specific effects of CST on balance and gait in stroke patients remain underexplored. METHODS: ). The primary outcome of this trial is the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Secondary outcomes include the 10-Meter Walk Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, three-dimensional gait analysis, and surface electromyography. Missing data will be handled using multiple imputation by chained equations. Data will be analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA or generalized estimating equations to determine differences and identify clinically relevant changes. DISCUSSION: This protocol provides detailed CST methods to guide future research and clinical application. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design to robustly evaluate CST's effects on balance and gait in hemiparetic stroke patients. CST's sequential, multi-plane exercises offer a potentially practical alternative. However, larger, multi-center trials are recommended for future validation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered at www.chictr.org.cn. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2400086282. Date of registration: 27 June 2024.