Longitudinal Multimodal Profiling of Balance and Gait In Stroke

Launched by TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL · Dec 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how an advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) system, which uses EEG technology, can help understand and improve balance and walking patterns in people who have had a stroke. Researchers believe that by monitoring brain activity related to walking and balance, they can better support recovery during rehabilitation. The trial is currently looking for participants aged 21 to 85 who are at least 30 days post-stroke and have some difficulties with walking.

To be eligible, participants should have had their first stroke confirmed by medical imaging and be able to walk independently on level surfaces, though they may need help with stairs or uneven ground. The study will involve understanding how their brain controls movement, which could lead to better rehabilitation strategies. Participants will not be eligible if they have certain medical conditions or if their walking issues are caused by anything other than a stroke. Those who join can expect to engage in tasks that help researchers learn more about balance and walking after a stroke, contributing to advancements in care for stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • First-ever clinical stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) confirmed by admitting doctors brain imaging
• • Age 21 to 85 years
• • At least ≥ 30 days post-stroke
• • Gait impairments related to stroke
• • Functional ambulation category -6 levels (Mehrholz et al, 2007): FAC ≥ 4, i.e. able to ambulate independently on level surface but requires supervision to negotiate (e.g. stairs, inclines, non-level surfaces).
• • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \> 21 (Nasreddine et al., 2005)
• • Able to understand study instructions and requirements
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Non-stroke related causes of gait impairment
• • Medical conditions incompatible with research participation: uncontrolled medical illnesses (hypertension or diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, bronchial asthma, severe /untreated depression, agitation, end stage renal/liver/heart/lung failure, dialysis, unresolved cancers e.g.,), active seizures within 3 months
• • Anticipated life expectancy of \< 6 months
• • On subcutaneous or oral anti-coagulation
• • Local factors potentially worsened by gait training: joint and muscle pains
• • Lower limb pain VAS \>4/10, active lower limb fractures or arthritis, fixed leg contractures, severe peripheral vascular disease, organomegaly or aortic aneurysms
• • Active unhealed skin wounds or inflammatory skin conditions over trunk and lower limbs,
• • Severe visual impairment or visual neglect affecting navigation
• • Known allergy to EEG gel (Recoverix)
• • Presence of craniectomy skull defect
• • Resident of nursing home or overseas country which may compromise attendance at research site
• • Pregnant or lactating females