Effects of electrical stimulation and walking practice on brain-muscle connections
Effects of Gait Training Strategies and Noninvasive Stimulation on Neurophysiology and Walking Performance in Able-Bodied Adults- A Preliminary Study
NA · Emory University · NCT06430164
This study tests if combining electrical stimulation with walking practice can improve the brain and muscle connections in healthy people, which might help older adults and stroke survivors walk better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06430164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals aged 18-65 who can walk independently and follow instructions.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, orthopedic disabilities, or other medical conditions affecting walking will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to innovative rehabilitation strategies that enhance gait performance in older adults and stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using electrical stimulation for gait improvement, but this specific approach is novel and aims to deepen understanding of neurophysiological mechanisms.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- 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
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: Gait, Corticospinal excitability, Non-invasive stimulation, Functional electrical stimulation