Post-stroke Perturbation Training

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · Apr 17, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Post-stroke Perturbation Training," is looking at new ways to help people who have had a stroke improve their walking balance and reduce the risk of falling. Falls can be a serious issue for stroke survivors, affecting their quality of life, so this study is exploring two different methods that provide gentle mechanical pushes while walking to see if they can make a difference. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and anyone between the ages of 70 and up who has experienced a stroke at least six months ago and has had a fall or fears falling may be eligible to join.

If you decide to participate, you'll be asked to walk on a treadmill without using a cane or walker, and you will need to give your consent to take part in the study. It’s important to note that there are some health conditions that would make you ineligible, such as certain heart issues, severe vision problems, or recent blood clots. By joining this trial, you could contribute to finding better treatments for improving balance after a stroke and helping prevent falls.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Experience of a stroke at least 6 months prior to participation
• • Self-reported experience of a fall in the previous year, and/or a fear of falling
• • Gait speed of at least 0.2 m/s
• • Ability to walk on a treadmill without a cane or walker
• • Provision of informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Evidence of cerebellar damage
• • Resting blood pressure higher than 220/110 mm Hg
• • History of unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living
• • Preexisting neurological disorders or dementia
• • Legal blindness or severe visual impairment
• • History of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months
• • Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions
• • Orthopedic injuries or conditions (e.g. joint replacements) in the lower extremities with the potential to alter the gait pattern