Reflex Excitability in Post-stroke Stiff-Knee Gait

Launched by METROHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 23, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how the reflexes in a specific muscle (the rectus femoris) behave in people who have experienced a stroke, particularly those with a condition called Stiff-Knee gait. This condition affects how people walk, and the study aims to see if there is a connection between these muscle reflexes and how a person walks. To do this, researchers will use a gentle electrical stimulation on the nerve that controls the muscle to see how it reacts.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have been independent before their stroke, and be able to walk for 30 minutes continuously. They should also have mild to moderate difficulties from their stroke, such as reduced bending of the knee while walking. If you or someone you know is interested in joining, it's important to note that participants should not have serious leg injuries, certain types of arthritis, or significant cognitive or vision problems. If eligible, participants can expect a supportive environment where their walking abilities and muscle responses will be carefully assessed.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Aged at least 18
• • Premorbidly independent
• • If post-stroke, mild to moderate impairment determined by standard practices per the physical therapist
• • Able to continuously walk for 30 minutes
• • If post-stroke, reduced knee flexion during walking relative to unimpaired side
• • If post-stroke, hemiparesis
• • Ability to provide informed consent
• Exclusion criteria:
• • No history of serious lower limb musculoskeletal injury
• • No functionally relevant osteoarthritis and weight-bearing restrictions
• • No functionally relevant polyneuropathy
• • No functionally relevant cognitive impairment
• • No functionally relevant vision impairment