Effects of electrical stimulation and walking practice on brain-muscle connections

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how electrical stimulation combined with gait training affects the connections between the brain and muscles in able-bodied individuals. Participants will engage in treadmill walking sessions with and without electrical stimulation to assess changes in neurophysiology and gait performance. The research aims to generate preliminary data that could inform personalized rehabilitation protocols for improving gait in older adults and stroke survivors. The study consists of 1-5 visits, each lasting up to 5 hours, where various stimulation techniques will be applied.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years
* Able-bodied (healthy without any physical disability, neurological, orthopedic, or other medical disorder affecting walking or study protocol participation)
* Ability to walk \>10m overground and for 1 minute on a treadmill
* Ability to follow 3-stage commands and provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self-reported history or evidence of orthopedic or physical disability
* History or evidence of neurological pathology
* Pregnancy (female)
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic system
* Presence of skin conditions preventing electrical stimulation setup
* Impaired sensation in the left upper limb.
* Bruises or cuts at the stimulation electrode placement site
* Concurrent enrollment in rehabilitation or another investigational study.
* History or evidence of orthopedic or physical disability interfering with study procedures
* History or evidence of neurological pathology or disorder
* Severe uncontrolled medical problems (e.g., hypertension, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, active cancer or renal disease, epilepsy) that may interfere with study procedures
* Contraindications to TMS such as metal implants, medications that can increase cortical excitability, unexplained dizziness in the past 6 months

Where it's running

• Emory University
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD — Emory University
• Study coordinator: Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD
• Email: tkesar@emory.edu
• Phone: 404-712-5803

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.