Closed-loop FES for improved footdrop in post-stroke walking
Official title: Innovative Closed-loop Functional Electrical Stimulation Control System for Augmenting Post-stroke Gait
Run by Emory University · NCT07189819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a new data-driven closed-loop FES system to help people after stroke walk more easily by reducing footdrop, comparing it to a conventional FES approach during treadmill and overground walking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07189819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults more than 6 months post-stroke with prior cortical or subcortical stroke who can walk 10 meters with or without assistance and meet cardiovascular and ankle stability criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals unable to walk 10 meters, with significant sensory or cognitive deficits, or conditions limiting walking may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will compare a model-predictive controller–based functional electrical stimulation system with a conventional FES setup to see which better supports paretic ankle dorsiflexion during walking after stroke. The trial focuses on post-stroke individuals who can walk at least 10 meters and can tolerate treadmill walking with adequate ankle stability. The approach aims to automatically adjust stimulation to reduce muscle fatigue and improve gait; safety and feasibility are prioritized given prior positive findings with FES in stroke rehabilitation. The study will be conducted at Emory University with NICHD collaboration, involving walking tasks in both treadmill and overground settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the MPC-based FES could provide smoother, more fatiguelimited gait and improved mobility for people recovering from stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior FES research has demonstrated safety and functional benefits, but this closed-loop, fatigue-adaptive approach is a novel refinement being tested for potential added advantage.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * \>6 months since stroke * cortical or subcortical stroke * able to walk 10-meters with or without an assistive device * sufficient cardiovascular health and ankle stability to walk on treadmill without ankle orthosis * passive ankle range of motion to benefit from dorsiflexor FES assistance * resting heart rate 40-100 bpm Exclusion Criteria: * cerebellar signs * score \>1 on question 1b (does not know the current month and age) and \>0 on question 1c (can not blink eyes and squeeze hands) on NIH Stroke Scale * inability to communicate with investigators * neglect/hemianopia * unexplained dizziness in past 6 months * sensory loss in paretic leg * musculoskeletal or medical conditions limiting walking * neurologic diagnoses other than stroke
Where it's running
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Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD
- Email: trisha.m.kesar@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 712-5803
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
FES for upper limb recovery after stroke in people who had BoNT-A treatment
This study tests whether Functional Electrical Stimulation during task-focused training helps improve upper limb function after stroke in people who have already received Botulinum toxin injections.
-
tDCS with Constraint Therapy for better arm movement after stroke
This study tests whether adding a brief electrical brain stimulation (tDCS) to constraint-induced therapy helps people recover more upper-limb movement after a stroke.
-
Optimizing ankle-foot orthosis choice to improve walking after stroke
People at least three months after a stroke will try three modern carbon-fiber ankle-foot orthoses for one month each to see which helps walking, function, and quality of life the most.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.