Improving ankle strength and walking ability after stroke
Official title: Paired Associative Stimulation to Facilitate Plantarflexor Power Following Stroke
Funded at VA Northern California Health Care Sys · NIH-10988322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of stimulation can help improve ankle movement in people who have had a stroke, with the goal of making it easier for them to walk and enjoy a better quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Northern California Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mather, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX003609-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have chronic post-stroke hemiparesis and experience difficulties with walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing significant walking dysfunction or those who have not had a stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how paired associative stimulation (PAS) can enhance the effectiveness of the corticospinal tract, which is crucial for ankle movement, in individuals who have experienced a stroke. By focusing on neuroplasticity, the study aims to improve ankle plantarflexor power, which is essential for walking function. Participants will undergo targeted stimulation to assess its impact on both neural responses and biomechanical outcomes, ultimately seeking to enhance their mobility and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved walking ability and independence for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar neuroplasticity approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Northern California Health Care Sys
Mather, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patten, Carolynn — VA Northern California Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Patten, Carolynn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.