Impaired Interlimb Coordination During Locomotion in Individuals With Chronic Stroke: Contributors and Effect on Walking Function

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · May 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying walking problems in individuals who have had a stroke. Specifically, it focuses on how the coordination between the legs, known as interlimb coordination, affects walking ability. Many people with chronic stroke continue to struggle with walking even after rehabilitation, which can impact their daily lives and overall well-being. The researchers aim to understand the brain pathways involved in this coordination issue and how it relates to walking speed, endurance, and quality of life. They also want to explore if targeted electrical stimulation can improve leg coordination.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between 25 and 90 years old, have had a stroke affecting one side of their body more than the other, and be at least six months post-stroke. Participants should be able to walk for at least six minutes at a comfortable pace. Throughout the study, participants will engage in various walking tasks while the researchers assess their leg coordination and may receive gentle electrical stimulation in specific areas to see if it helps improve their walking. This research could lead to new therapies aimed at enhancing walking function for stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age: 25 - 90 years of age
• • Monohemispheric stroke
• • Chronic phase (\> 6 months post stroke)
• • Ability to walk for at least 6 minutes at a self-selected comfortable speed
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lesions affecting the brainstem or cerebellum
• • Other neurological disorders
• • Current botox treatments for the lower limb
• • Significant cognitive or communication impairment
• • TMS exclusion criteria
• • Previous adverse reaction to TMS
• • Skull abnormalities or fractures
• • Concussion within the prior 6 months
• • Unexplained, recurring headaches
• • Implanted cardiac pacemaker
• • Metal implants in the head or face
• • History of seizures or epilepsy
• • Use of medications that could increase risk of seizure
• • Current pregnancy
• • PNS \& DCS exclusion criteria
• • Skin hypersensitivity at any sites of stimulation, including the scalp, thoracolumbar spine, and peripheral limbs
• • History of contact dermatitis at any of the sites of stimulation
• • History of allodynia and/or hyperalgesia
• • Active skin infection
• • Skin lesions
• • Deep vein thrombosis
• • Any other skin or scalp condition that could be aggravated by stimulation
• • Implanted electronic, metallic, or highly conductive devices near site of stimulation that cannot be removed without permission from a health professional