Analyzing Gait Patterns in Healthy Individuals and Those with Neurological Disorders
Investigation of Gait Parameters in Health and Neurological Disease Under Varying Locomotor Conditions
This study is trying to see how different neurological conditions affect walking patterns in both healthy people and those with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 340 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT02165787 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to collect extensive data to create gait profiles that reflect the effects of various neurological conditions on walking patterns. It will involve both a cross-sectional analysis of patients with specific neurological diagnoses and a longitudinal assessment of gait changes over time in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The study will utilize gait and electrophysiological parameters to identify differences and similarities in gait characteristics associated with different neurological conditions. This comprehensive approach will enhance our understanding of how specific diagnoses or lesions impact gait.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 with specific neurological diagnoses such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or spinal cord injury.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive disturbances, severe comorbidities, or those unable to walk a certain distance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic tools and rehabilitation strategies for patients with neurological disorders affecting gait.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in gait analysis for neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients: * age 18 - 80 * written, informed consent * one of the following established diagnoses: unilateral stroke affecting motor system, Parkinson syndrome, cerebellar disease, vestibular dysfunction, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis * Brain and whole spine T1, T2 \& FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging performed within the last four months and available for study purposes or no contraindications to performing these scans Healthy subjects: * age 18 - 80 * written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Patients: * Colour-blindness * Known to be pregnant or breastfeeding * Body mass index (weight in kg/height in metres squared) \>40 Unable to walk 50m within 6 minutes (with or without walking aids) Inability to undertake any component of the trial protocol * Terminal diagnosis with life expectancy less than six months * Cognitive disturbance defined as MMSE \< 25 Clinically significant comorbidities such as severe cardiovascular, pulmonary or malignant disease Healthy subjects: * Colour-blindness * Known to be pregnant or breastfeeding * Body mass index (weight in kg/height in metres squared) \>40 Unable to walk 50m within 6 minutes * Reliance on walking aids / prostheses for mobilisation * Significant neurological or orthopaedic diagnosis with potential impact on gait // Previous operations on the lower limbs or spine with potential impact on gait Inability to undertake any component of the trial protocol Clinically significant conditions such as severe cardiovascular, pulmonary or malignant disease
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- University of Zurich — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marc Bolliger, PD
- Email: marc.bolliger@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 510 72 01
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.