Comparing brain stimulation and Pilates for improving gait in stroke patients
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Versus Pilates Based Core Stability Training on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients
This study is trying to see if brain stimulation or Pilates can help stroke survivors improve their walking and balance better than just regular therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dokki, Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT06312306 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) versus Pilates-based core stability training on gait and balance in patients who have experienced a stroke. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving tDCS along with conventional physical therapy, another engaging in Pilates exercises with conventional therapy, and a control group receiving only conventional therapy. The study seeks to determine if either tDCS or Pilates offers superior benefits for improving balance and gait in stroke survivors. By exploring these interventions, the trial hopes to identify more effective rehabilitation strategies for enhancing functional performance in daily activities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-60 who have experienced their first stroke more than eight weeks prior and have mild to moderate impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological impairments or those with contraindications to tDCS will likely not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new, effective rehabilitation options for improving gait and balance in stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on Pilates for neurological conditions, tDCS has shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke for the first time, with an onset of more than eight weeks * Their age should be 50-60 years old. * Patients of a minor (1-4) to moderate (5-15) national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) score. * Sufficient cognitive ability to participate, as indicated by Mini-mental state examination score of 21 or higher. * ambulatory before stroke * ability to stand or walk with or without assistance * mild to moderate spasticity (MAS scale less than grade 3) * hemodynamically stable Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures. * Patients with Any medical metal devices incompatible with transcranial direct current stimulation (e.g. pacemaker). * Bi-hemispheric or multifocal stroke. * any other neurological pathology affecting balance (cerebellar or brain stem lesions, impaired vision, visual field defect or hemineglect) * Premorbid neurological impairment prior to onset of stroke. * Co-morbidities impairing the motor function such as fracture or deformity. * Medically unstable. * Mental and cognitive impairment.
Where this trial is running
Dokki, Giza
- Faculty of physical therpay cairo university — Dokki, Giza, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aisha Saleh — Cairo University
- Study coordinator: Aisha Saleh
- Email: ayshasaleh608@hotmail.com
- Phone: +201020234593
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.