The Roll of Balance Confidence in Gait Rehabilitation in Persons With a Lesion of the Central Nervous System

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, GHENT · Aug 12, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how confidence in balance affects walking ability in people who have had a stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury. The researchers want to find out if those who feel more confident in their balance walk differently than those who feel less confident. They are also comparing the effects of a special training program called GRAIL, which uses virtual technology to help improve balance and walking, with traditional rehabilitation methods. By doing this, they hope to understand how to better support patients in their recovery and reduce their fear of falling.

To participate, individuals should be between 18 and 80 years old and able to walk for at least 6 minutes with minimal help. They must be admitted to the rehabilitation center at Ghent University Hospital due to a stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury. Participants will undergo a 5-week training program and will be asked to complete assessments before and after the training, including a questionnaire about their experiences. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and those who join will have the opportunity to enhance their balance and walking confidence in a supportive environment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Persons who are admitted to the rehabilitation center of the Ghent University Hospital (in and outpatient) and suffered a stroke, spinal cord injury of traumatic brain injury
• • Persons have to be able to walk for at least 6 minutes without the need of a person to help and with minimal help of a walking device. (level FAC 2 or higher)
• • Participants who understand orders during the assessment and intervention.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Other neurological conditions (MS, Parkinson, ...)
• • Orthopedic trauma or recent acute trauma that influence walking ability.
• • Body weight exceeds 120 kg.
• • Severe dizziness that makes it impossible to practice in standing position.
• • Cardiac or pulmonary problems that require monitoring during exercising.