Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke (Project LEAPS)
Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke (Project LEAPS) is a 5-year multi-site single-blind randomized clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of locomotor training programs for individuals recovering from stroke. The study is headed at USC by co-principal investigator Katherine Sullivan and involves interdisciplinary researchers from the University of Florida and the University of California, Los Angeles, as well as five community-based hospitals. The study is also notable for being largest rehabilitation trial funded by the NIH and reflects the collaboration between two institutes, the NINDS and NCMRR.
Project LEAPS will investigate wither there is a difference in the proportion of participants who successfully recover walking ability after completing a specialized locomotor training program, provided at either 2 months or 6 months post-stroke, as compared to a non-specific, low intensity exercise (control) intervention. The ultimate goal of Project LEAPS is to provide evidence to guide post-stroke rehabilitation practice and reduce disability in persons recovering from stroke.