Improving balance and walking in people with central nervous system injuries
The Roll of Balance Confidence in Gait Rehabilitation in Persons With a Lesion of the Central Nervous System
This study is testing whether a new balance training program combined with regular walking therapy can help people with central nervous system injuries walk better and feel less afraid of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT05503316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on individuals with central nervous system injuries, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, who often face challenges with balance and gait. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic balance training combined with traditional gait rehabilitation to enhance walking abilities and reduce the fear of falling. By addressing both physical impairments and psychological factors, the study seeks to improve overall rehabilitation outcomes for these patients. Participants must be able to walk independently for a minimum duration and will be assessed for their understanding of instructions during the interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries who can walk with minimal assistance.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions, severe dizziness, or those requiring monitoring for cardiac or pulmonary issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve balance and walking abilities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for patients with central nervous system injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that interventions focusing on balance and gait rehabilitation can lead to meaningful improvements in similar patient populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Persons who are admitted to the rehabilitation center of the Ghent University Hospital (in and outpatient) and suffered a stroke, spinal cord injury of traumatic brain injury * Persons have to be able to walk for at least 6 minutes without the need of a person to help and with minimal help of a walking device. (level FAC 2 or higher) * Participants who understand orders during the assessment and intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Other neurological conditions (MS, Parkinson, ...) * Orthopedic trauma or recent acute trauma that influence walking ability. * Body weight exceeds 120 kg. * Severe dizziness that makes it impossible to practice in standing position. * Cardiac or pulmonary problems that require monitoring during exercising.
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Ghent University Hospital — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anke Van Bladel, PhD — Ghent University Hopsital / Ghent University
- Study coordinator: Anke Van Bladel, Phd
- Email: anke.vanbladel@ugent.be
- Phone: 09 332 12 43
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.