Operant Conditioning of Reflex Pathways to Improve Walking in Individuals Post-stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS · Mar 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help people who have difficulty walking after a stroke, particularly those with foot drop, which makes it hard to lift the front part of the foot while walking. The study will focus on improving the reflexes in the ankle to enhance walking ability. Researchers are looking for 5 individuals aged 18 and older who have had a stroke at least 6 months ago and are experiencing foot drop on one side. Participants should be able to walk, with or without assistance, and be able to follow simple instructions.

If you join this study, you can expect to participate in 40 sessions over about 4 months. Each visit will involve specific training exercises aimed at improving the way your ankle works during walking. It’s important to note that to participate, you should not have any other neurological conditions affecting your legs or balance, and you should not have a history of ear problems. This study could provide valuable insights into new treatments for improving walking after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At least 6 months following a single, unilateral stroke, resulting in hemiparesis.
• • Ambulatory with or without assistive device, but must demonstrate a gait deficit which is indicative of foot drop from reduced activation of the tibialis anterior muscle.
• • Able to follow verbal directions.
• • Able to see icons on computer monitor (with or without corrective lenses) from at least 4 feet away.
• • All subjects will be adults at least 18 years old.
• • Know history and current medication management for lower limb spasticity, if any.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • No history of ear disease or balance problems outside of those caused by the stroke.
• • Cerebellar stroke
• • No other neurological disease or injuries other than the stroke affecting the use of the legs and/or walking.