Exploring how mechanical perturbations affect walking and balance
Mimicking Slipping Responses Using a Novel Mechanical Perturbation Algorithm
This study is testing how different treadmill movements affect walking and balance in healthy people to help understand normal gait patterns.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT05890755 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study invites healthy participants to complete a questionnaire about their balance and falls, followed by walking trials on a treadmill at various speeds. The study aims to collect key gait parameters for a normative database and analyze movements during perturbation trials using advanced techniques such as 3D motion capture and electromyography. Participants will walk at a constant speed while the treadmill is adjusted according to different perturbation algorithms, allowing researchers to assess the impact of these mechanical changes on gait and balance. All methods used are non-invasive and standard in biomechanics research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18-40 or 60-80 who can walk for at least 30 minutes without assistance.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or orthopedic issues affecting walking, or those with significant medical histories, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of gait dynamics and improve fall prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored gait and perturbation, this specific approach using novel mechanical perturbation algorithms is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy subjects aged 18-40 years and 60-80 years * Ability to walk at minimum 30 minutes at a regular pace without assistance or breaks * Written informed consent as documented by signature (see informed consent form) Exclusion Criteria: * Women who are pregnant or breast feeding * Current neurological problems affecting walking function and balance * Current orthopedic problems affecting upper and lower extremity movements * History of alcohol abuse or the intake of psychotropic drugs * History of major cardiac condition (e.g., infarction, insufficiency (NYHA II-IV)) * History of major pulmonary condition (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD II-IV)) * Current major depression or psychosis * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia * Fever of unknown origin
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- Balgrist Campus — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Linard Filli, Dr. — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Linard Filli, Dr.
- Email: linard.filli@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 510 72 12
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.