Biomechanical and Neural Mechanisms of Post-stroke Gait Training

Launched by EMORY UNIVERSITY · May 6, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how fast treadmill walking, both on its own and combined with a technique called functional electrical stimulation, can help improve walking abilities in people who have had a stroke. The goal is to understand why these methods work and which individuals benefit the most, so future treatments can be personalized to better meet each person's needs.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least six months post-stroke and able to walk 10 meters, even if you use a walking aid. You should also be in good enough health to walk on a treadmill for a couple of minutes. Unfortunately, people with certain conditions, like a history of brain bleeds or specific coordination issues, won't be able to join. If you decide to participate, you'll likely engage in treadmill training sessions to help improve your walking skills. This research could lead to new, tailored therapies that enhance walking after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • at least 6 months since stroke
• • single cortical or subcortical ischemic stroke
• • able to walk 10-meters with or without assistive device
• • sufficient cardiovascular health and ankle stability to walk on treadmill for 2-minutes at self-selected speed without orthosis
• • resting heart rate 40-100 bpm
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • hemorrhagic stroke
• • cerebellar signs (ataxic ("drunken") gait or decreased coordination during rapid alternating hand or foot movements
• • score of \>1 on question 1b and \>0 on question 1c on NIH Stroke Scale
• • inability to communicate with investigators
• • musculoskeletal conditions or pain that limit walking
• • neglect/hemianopia, or unexplained dizziness in last 6 months
• • neurologic conditions or diagnoses other than stroke
• • lack of sensation in lower limb affected by stroke
• • any medical diagnosis that would hinder the participant from completing the experimental trial
• • additional exclusion criteria due to contra-indications to TMS (measurement of corticospinal excitability) are: history of seizures, metal implants in the head or face, history of recurring or severe headaches/migraine, headache within the past 24 hours, presence of skull abnormalities or fractures, hemorrhagic stroke, history of dizziness, syncope, nausea, or loss of consciousness in the past 6 months