Arm Cycling to Improve Fitness in Polio Survivors (NCT01271530) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Arm Cycling to Improve Fitness in Polio Survivors
Ireland55 participantsStarted 2010-07
Plain-language summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of upper limb cardiovascular training on fitness, energy cost of walking, fatigue and pain in polio survivors. Polio survivors often have difficulty accessing aerobic forms of exercise due to limitations in mobility, pain associated with walking and fatigue. This can result in becoming physically unfit and places polio survivors at risk of secondary heath problems due to inactivity. A large percentage of polio survivors have lower limb involvement but have strong arms. The participants in this study will exercise at home using simple arm cycles for 8 weeks. They will attend for assessment on two occasions. All exercise will be prescribed by a Physiotherapist and includes measures to ensure safety while exercising at home.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* A confirmed history of Poliomyelitis affecting at least one lower limb, confirmed by the consultant Neurologist, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, and documented in the medical chart.
* Capable of walking for 6 minutes, with or without an aid or appliance (as reported by the patient).
* Good upper limb strength, confirmed objectively by Quantitative Muscle Analysis (QMA) (Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC)). MVIC scores of 7 out of 10 tested upper limb movements must lie above the 5th percentile of the normal range.
* Completion of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and cleared by medical practitioner as safe for exercise if indicated.
* Aged \> 18 and \< 75 NOTE: Participants must be resident in Ireland.
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of unstable cardiac or respiratory conditions
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Oxygen dependence
* Significant upper limb pain (Visual Analogue Scale \> 4 or more than 3 specific sites of pain)
* Severe fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale \> 5)
* Recent onset of upper limb weakness or severe upper limb weakness (\< 5th percentile on more than 3 tested upper limb movements, either reported by the patient or measured using Quantitative Muscle assessment.
* Steroid use in last 3 months
* Use of medications which may influence cardiovascular testing (Beta-blockers etc)
* Pregnant Women
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Six Minute Arm Test
Timeframe: Eight weeks
2
The Physical Activity Scale for Persons with Physical Disabilities