Brain activity while walking after stroke
Cortical Activation During Forward and Backward Walking in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University · NCT06840405
This project will record brain activity while people who had a stroke walk forward and backward to see how the two sides of the brain balance during walking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Taipei) |
| Trial ID | NCT06840405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study will record noninvasive measures of cortical activity while participants with chronic stroke perform forward and backward walking tasks. Eligible participants are at least six months post-stroke, can walk independently for at least 7 meters, and have preserved cognition (MMSE ≥ 24). The protocol compares activation in the affected and unaffected hemispheres during walking to characterize interhemispheric balance. Findings aim to map gait-related cortical activation patterns to inform rehabilitation strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at least six months after stroke who can walk independently for at least 7 meters and have an MMSE score of 24 or higher.
Not a fit: People who cannot walk backward, have neuromuscular disorders, visual or auditory impairments, unstable cardiac status or uncontrolled hypertension, or musculoskeletal problems affecting walking would be excluded and unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help therapists target rehabilitation to rebalance brain activity and improve walking after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that treadmill training and other gait interventions can change motor cortex excitability after stroke, so this observational work builds on prior findings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 6 months after the diagnosis of stroke * Independent walking over at least 7m with or without a walking aid * Mini-mental state examination score ≥ 24 Exclusion Criteria: * Had difficulty in backward walking * Any neuromuscular disorders history * With visual or auditory disorders * Unstable cardiac status or uncontrolled hypertension * Any musculoskeletal disorders that would affect walking ability
Where this trial is running
Taipei
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University — Taipei, Taiwan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yea-Ru Yang, PhD
- Email: yryang@nycu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886228267279
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.
Conditions: Stroke, Forward walking, Backward walking, Brain activity