Model-informed Patient-specific Rehabilitation Using Robotics and Neuromuscular Modeling

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · Aug 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people who have had a stroke improve their walking ability using advanced robotic technology and muscle modeling. Stroke is a serious condition that can lead to weakness on one side of the body, which makes it hard for individuals to walk and affects their quality of life. The goal of this research is to better understand how people walk after a stroke and find effective ways to help them regain their walking speed and function.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between 18 and 80 years old, speak English, and meet specific health criteria. There are two groups: one group includes healthy individuals, and the other group includes individuals who have had a stroke more than six months ago but can walk independently for at least 15 minutes. Participants will complete assessments to ensure they are suitable for the study. If eligible, they can expect to take part in various activities that analyze their walking patterns and help develop better rehabilitation strategies. It’s important to note that individuals with certain health conditions, such as severe neurological issues or significant musculoskeletal pain, may not be eligible.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Two groups of subjects will be included in the study.
• • Group A: Individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 80 years, be in general good health, and be proficient in English. The subjects' physical fitness for participation in the research procedures will be documented via the Physical Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Their answers to the PAR-Q will be evaluated by the study team to determine if they are suitable for the study. Individuals should not have significant musculoskeletal conditions (osteoarthritis, joint replacement etc). The subjects' resting heart rate must be between 60-100 beats per minute, while their resting blood pressure between 90/60 to 140/90. The subjects should weigh under 250 pounds (lbs).
• • Group B: Individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 80 years, speak English, have a single, unilateral, chronic stroke (\>6 months post-stroke), confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. They should be able to walk at a self-selected speed for at least 15 minutes without assistance from another person. They should be able to respond to questions during screening, provide informed consent and fully follow instructions. The subjects' resting heart rate must be between 60-100 beats per minute, while their resting blood pressure between 90/60 to 160/90. The subjects should weigh under 250 pounds (lbs).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any neurological conditions (applicable to Group A - healthy subjects) or other neurological conditions in addition to stroke (applicable to Group B - stroke survivors);
• • Inability to walk outside the home before the stroke (applicable to Group B - stroke survivors);
• • Coronary artery bypass graft in the past 3 months, myocardial infarction in the past 3 months, uncontrolled or untreated atrial fibrillation, severe or painful peripheral vascular disease, diagnosis of heart failure, or unstable or untreated angina;
• • Expressive aphasia
• • Reported musculoskeletal pain or conditions that limit walking (such as tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or any orthopedic surgery or fracture to the legs or spine in the last 6 months);
• • Inability to communicate with investigators (e.g., due to severe aphasia or other cognitive impairment);
• • Severe respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• • Unexplained dizziness;
• • Weight greater than 250 pounds (lbs).
• • Inability to ascend and descend 4 steps with handrails using another person's assistance (if desired)