Comparing the Difference in Muscle Synergies Between Healthy Participants and Chronic Stroke Survivors

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Nov 6, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to improve walking ability in people who have had a stroke by using a special device called Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). The researchers want to understand how muscles work together during walking by comparing healthy individuals with chronic stroke survivors. They will first observe how healthy people's muscles work when they walk, and then use that information to help stroke survivors. The goal is to help stroke survivors regain better control over their walking through a series of training sessions using FES.

To be eligible for the study, chronic stroke survivors need to be at least 40 years old, have had a stroke for at least six months, and be able to walk for at least 15 minutes, with or without assistance. Healthy participants must also be at least 40 years old, able to walk for 20 minutes without getting too tired, and free from major health issues. Each stroke survivor will participate in 18 training sessions over about a month. Throughout the trial, participants will receive support and guidance, and the researchers hope to see improvements in walking patterns by the end of the program.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• For chronic stroke survivors:
• • 1. Right-handed elderly chronic stroke survivors; age ≥40; ≥6 months post-stroke
• • 2. Unilateral ischemic brain lesions
• • 3. Participants should be able to walk continuously for ≥15 min. with or without assistive aid
• For healthy participants:
• • 1. Healthy, right-handed subjects, age ≥40, free from any history of major neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychiatric disorders
• • 2. Able to walk continuously for ≥20 min. without fatigue.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• For both healthy participants and chronic stroke survivors:
• • 1. Cannot comprehend and follow instructions, or with a score \<21 on the mini-mental state exam;
• • 2. Have cardiac pacemaker;
• • 3. Have skin lesions at the locations where FES or EMG electrodes may be attached;
• • 4. Have major depression;
• • 5. Present with severe neglect