Gait and Achilles Tendon Properties in Spastic Paresis

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 observational study assesses mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon and the force production of the gastrocnemius medialis during gait. It includes 60 participants: 20 post-stroke, 20 with incomplete spinal cord injury, and 20 matched healthy controls, categorized by equinus pattern based on ankle movement. Each participant undergoes a single evaluation session with force testing on an isokinetic dynamometer, ultrasound assessment, and 3D gait analysis to explore tendon stiffness, length, and volume, as well as GM activation and volume. The aim is to understand how tendon behavior relates to gait patterns in spastic paresis. Findings may clarify whether tendon adaptations drive certain gait deviations more than muscle belly changes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Study population:

• Cognitive abilities compatible with the experiment: no language or judgement disorders preventing understanding of the research or expression of consent. An aphasia severity score greater than or equal to 3 on the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) scale will be required for inclusion.

Post-stroke population:

* Adult male or female
* Patient who has had a stroke \> 7 days ago
* Patient hospitalised (in conventional hospitalisation or day hospital) in the neurological physical and medical rehabilitation department of Nantes University Hospital
* Patients with voluntary motor function rated between 2 and 4 on the MRC (Medical Research Council) scale at the GM level
* Patients classified as 3 to 8 on the New Functional Ambulation Classification
* Indication to perform a quantified gait analysis as part of clinical management

Post-spinal cord injury population:

* Adult men or women
* Patients with incomplete spinal cord injury graded ASIA AIS C or D from C2 to L5
* Patients hospitalised (in conventional hospitalisation or day hospital) in the neurological physical and occupational therapy department of Nantes University Hospital
* Patients with voluntary motor function rated between 2 and 4 on the MRC (Medical Research Council) scale at GM level
* Patients rated 13-20 on the WISCI-II scale
* Indication for a quantified gait analysis as part of clinical care

Healthy population:

• Adult men or women with no nervous system disorders.

Exclusion Criteria:

Post-stroke and post-spinal cord injury population:

* Minors;
* History of calf surgery, surgery to reduce triceps surae spasticity, or intramuscular injection (e.g. botulinum toxin) in the plantar flexors \< 6 months;
* Patients with a progressive condition that contraindicates exertion (syrinx, cardiovascular instability);
* Peripheral pathology of the lower limb in question.

Healthy population:

* History of calf surgery;
* History of muscle injury, fracture or sprain of the lower limb \< 3 months;
* History of neurological condition.

Where it's running

• CHU de Nantes
  Nantes, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Thomas Lecharte
• Email: thomas.lecharte@chu-nantes.fr
• Phone: 02 44 76 89 89

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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.