Improving balance in stroke patients using training and electrical stimulation
Effect of a Perturbation-based Balance Training Combined With Targeted Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Reactive Balance Control and Early Fall Risk Predictors in Persons With Stroke.
This study is testing if a special balance training program combined with electrical stimulation can help stroke survivors improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Santiago) |
| Trial ID | NCT06237972 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effects of a 4-week perturbation-based balance training program combined with targeted neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on improving reactive balance and reducing fall risk in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The study aims to enhance kinematic and spatiotemporal parameters of balance control and gait patterns, which are critical for preventing falls. Participants will undergo training that simulates environmental disturbances to evoke rapid balance reactions, while NMES will target specific muscles to correct gait patterns. The trial will assess the effectiveness of these interventions in a stroke population with varying levels of motor impairment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have experienced a stroke and can walk independently without significant balance or gait impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological or musculoskeletal disorders that affect locomotion may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce fall risk and improve mobility in stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with perturbation-based training approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy participants will be included if they passed a cognitive test (\> 26/30 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale) and finish a six-minute walk test independently (to ensure that these individuals can walk without balance or gait impairments) Exclusion Criteria: Healthy individuals will be excluded if they self-reported any neurological, musculoskeletal, or other systemic disorders that would affect the participant's locomotion.
Where this trial is running
Santiago
- Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile — Santiago, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gonzalo Varas, PhD — Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
- Study coordinator: Gonzalo Varas, PhD
- Email: gonzalo.varas@uc.cl
- Phone: 998957436
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.