Gait training to improve walking balance after stroke
Movement Amplification Training to Enhance Walking Balance Post-Stroke
This study is testing a new robotic walking training to see if it can help people who have had a stroke improve their balance and walking abilities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06090604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates a novel gait training intervention using a robotic device designed to enhance self-generated movements in individuals with chronic stroke. The intervention aims to improve walking balance by applying lateral forces to the pelvis during treadmill walking, creating a Movement Amplification Environment (MAE). The study will evaluate both short-term and long-term effects of this training on walking balance and daily walking activities among participants. By quantifying locomotor adaptations and changes in balance control, the research seeks to develop effective methods for enhancing mobility in stroke survivors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who have experienced a hemiparetic stroke more than six months prior and can ambulate over ground with or without assistance.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, severe spasticity, or other neurological conditions affecting gait and balance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve walking balance and overall mobility for individuals recovering from stroke.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific method of using a robotic device for gait training in stroke rehabilitation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 to 80 years of age; 2. diagnosis of hemiparetic stroke; 3. more than 6 months post-stroke; 4. ability to ambulate over ground for 10 meters with or without a single cane, and/or ankle-foot orthosis. Exclusion Criteria: 1. cognitive impairment (score of ≤22/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale); 2. aphasia (score of ≥71/100 on the Mississippi Aphasia Screening Test); 3. excessive spasticity in lower limbs (score of \> 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale); 4. unable to tolerate 10-min. of standing; 5. enrollment in concurrent physical therapy; 6. use of braces/orthotics crossing the knee joint; 7. known pregnancy; 8. severe cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or other neurological conditions affecting gait and balance. 9. brainstem and/or cerebellar lesion 10. perinatal stroke
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keith Gordon, PhD — Assistant Professor, Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Shamali Dusane, PT, PhD
- Email: shamali.dusane@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 3125037081
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.