Gait training to improve walking balance after stroke
Movement Amplification Gait Training to Enhance Walking Balance Post-Stroke
This study is testing a new robotic device to see if it can help people who have had a stroke improve their walking balance better than regular balance training.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06400186 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance walking balance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke by employing a novel robotic device that amplifies self-generated movements during treadmill walking. The intervention focuses on creating a Movement Amplification Environment (MAE) that challenges balance by applying lateral forces to the pelvis, promoting anticipatory balance control. The study will evaluate the effects of this training on gait patterns and walking balance, comparing it to traditional balance training methods. The goal is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of MAE training in improving mobility and quality of life for stroke survivors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic stroke who can ambulate over ground and have weakness on one side.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, severe spasticity, or other neurological conditions affecting gait may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve walking balance and mobility for patients recovering from stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using robotic devices for gait training, but this specific approach using a Movement Amplification Environment is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History of chronic stroke (more than 6 months post-stroke) with weakness on one side * Ability to ambulate over ground for 10 meters with or without a single cane, and/or ankle-foot orthosis * Ability to tolerate 10 minutes of standing Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of cognitive impairment (score of 22/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA)) * Presence of aphasia (score of 71/100 on the Mississippi Aphasia Screening Test (MAST)) * Excessive spasticity in lower limbs (score of \> 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale * Severe cardiovascular and pulmonary disease affecting gait and balance * History of recurrent fractures or known orthopedic problems in the lower extremities (i.e. heterotopic ossification) affecting gait and balance * Concomitant central or peripheral neurological injury (i.e. traumatic head injury or peripheral nerve damage in lower limbs) affecting gait and balance * Evidence of cerebellar ataxia * Presence of unhealed decubiti or other skin compromise * Enrollment in concurrent physical therapy or research involving gait or balance training * Use of braces/orthotics crossing the knee joint * Known pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL — Hines, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Keith Edward Gordon, PhD — Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
- Study coordinator: Keith E Gordon, PhD
- Email: Keith.Gordon2@va.gov
- Phone: (708) 202-8387
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.