How arm support changes walking patterns after stroke
Official title: The Effect of Upper Extremity Support Usage on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Individuals With Stroke: A Prospective Cross-over Experimental Study
Run by Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University · NCT07496853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether changing arm support (no support, one arm, or both arms) affects walking speed, step length, and rhythm in adults who had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07496853 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with unilateral hemiplegia from a single stroke who can walk for at least two minutes and meet cognitive and language criteria (e.g., MoCA ≥10, no aphasia) are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recurrent stroke, severe cognitive impairment or aphasia, or those unable to walk continuously for two minutes are unlikely to qualify or benefit from the protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-over trial has participants with unilateral hemiplegia walk on a force-plate treadmill (C-Mill VR+) under three randomized conditions: unsupported, single-arm support (non-paretic side), and dual-arm support. Each condition includes a 2-minute familiarization followed by 2 minutes of recorded gait data, with spatiotemporal parameters captured at high sampling frequency. Condition order is randomized and balanced to reduce carry-over effects, and physiotherapists monitor safety with scheduled rest periods and RPE-based extensions as needed. Baseline clinical measures such as MoCA, FAC, and Brunnstrom staging are collected to characterize participants and relate clinical status to gait changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose or modify arm supports and walking aids to improve walking efficiency and safety after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior biomechanical studies in healthy people and people after stroke have shown that restricting or facilitating arm swing changes gait mechanics, but evidence that modifying arm support improves long-term clinical outcomes in stroke is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of hemiplegia with ICD-10 code G.81. * Presence of unilateral hemiplegia. * No medical contraindications for the use of assistive devices (e.g., cane, tripod). * Aged 18 years or older. * Ability to walk for at least 2 consecutive minutes. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of aphasia. * Recurrent stroke. * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score below 10 points.
Where it's running
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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Murat AKINCI
- Email: muratakinci.fzt@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 552 935 69 78
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
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This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
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Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke
This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
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Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke
In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.