Examining muscle-tendon behavior during walking in stroke and spinal cord injury patients
Muscle-tendon Interaction in the Spastic Sural Triceps During Gait
This study tests how the muscles and tendons in the legs work while walking in people who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury, to see if it can help improve their walking ability.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nantes University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nantes, Loire Atlantique) |
| Trial ID | NCT06474117 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates the mechanical behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle and Achilles tendon in post-stroke and spinal cord injury patients compared to healthy individuals. The study focuses on how these muscle-tendon units behave during the stance phase of walking, utilizing ultrasound measurements and 3D gait analysis. By assessing the contributions of muscle and tendon lengthening during walking, the research aims to inform therapeutic strategies for improving gait performance in affected patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult post-stroke patients or individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries who have some voluntary motor function and walking capacity.
Not a fit: Patients with complete spinal cord injuries or those who are unable to walk may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries and strokes, enhancing their walking capabilities.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored muscle-tendon interactions, this specific focus on spastic conditions during gait analysis is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria : Post-Stroke Population: * Adult male or female * Patient who had a stroke more than 7 days ago * Patient hospitalized (in conventional hospitalization or day hospital) in the university neurological rehabilitation department of CHU de Nantes * Patient with voluntary motor function graded between 2 and 4 on the MRC (Medical Research Council) scale at the GM level * Patient classified between 3 and 8 on the New Functional Ambulation Classification Post-Spinal Cord Injury Population: * Adult male or female * Patient with an incomplete spinal cord injury classified as ASIA AIS C or D from level C2 to L5 * Patient hospitalized (in conventional hospitalization or day hospital) in the neurological rehabilitation department of CHU de Nantes * Patient with voluntary motor function graded between 2 and 4 on the MRC (Medical Research Council) scale at the GM level * Patient classified between 3 and 8 on the New Functional Ambulation Classification Healthy Population: • Adult male or female without any neurological disorders Exclusion Criteria : Post-Stroke and Post-Spinal Cord Injury Population: * Minor patient * History of calf surgery, surgery to reduce triceps surae spasticity, or intramuscular injection (e.g., botulinum toxin) in the plantar flexors within the last 6 months * Patient with a progressive condition contraindicating physical exertion (e.g., syrinx, cardiovascular instability) * Peripheral pathology of the considered lower limb Healthy Population: * History of calf surgery * History of muscle injury, fracture, or sprain of the lower limb within the last 3 months * History of neurological disorders
Where this trial is running
Nantes, Loire Atlantique
- CHU de Nantes — Nantes, Loire Atlantique, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas Lecharte
- Email: thomas.lecharte@chu-nantes.fr
- Phone: 02 44 76 89 89
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.