Multisensory Augmentation for Post-stroke Standing Balance

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Mar 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help people who have had a stroke improve their balance. Many stroke survivors struggle with balance due to issues with their senses, and this study will test if using gentle vibrations on the skin can help them feel more stable. The goal is to see if these vibrations can enhance the information the body receives about where it is in space, making it easier to stand and move without falling.

To participate in the trial, individuals need to be at least 70 years old and have had a stroke at least 6 months ago. They should be able to stand on their own for at least one minute, but they should not be using a brace that would prevent the vibrations from being applied to their ankle or foot. Participants will receive the vibration treatment and will be monitored to see how it affects their balance. This trial is currently recruiting, and anyone interested in joining should check the specific eligibility criteria to see if they qualify.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Experience of a stroke at least 6 months prior to participation
• • Berg Balance Scale score less than 52
• • Ability to stand independently for at least 1 minute without wearing an AFO or other brace that would preclude delivery of stimulation to the ankle or foot sole
• • Provision of informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 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
• • Pre-existing neurological disorders or dementia
• • Severe visual impairment
• • History of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months
• • Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions