Improving walking symmetry after stroke with treadmill resistance and sensory feedback
Official title: Optimizing Post-Stroke Gait Symmetry: Integrating Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback to Enhance Paretic Leg Propulsion
Run by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · NCT07087769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This one-time test tries treadmill resistance plus real-time visual or auditory feedback to see if it improves leg push-off and walking symmetry in adults who had a stroke, compared with healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Galveston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07087769 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20 or older who had a clinical stroke at least one month ago and can walk at least 10 meters with or without an assistive device are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with progressive neurological disease, severe cognitive impairment or dementia, unstable cardiac conditions, recent lower-limb amputation, major musculoskeletal problems affecting gait, or poorly controlled medical conditions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-session protocol enrolls 15 adults post-stroke and 15 healthy adults to compare walking under tied-belt and split-belt treadmill conditions. Investigators apply backward-directed mechanical resistance at the pelvis, ankle, or both, and provide real-time visual, auditory, or combined sensory feedback, delivered alone or in combination. The goal is to identify which mechanical and sensory environment best increases paretic leg propulsion and propulsion symmetry. Sessions take about one to two hours, use non-invasive equipment, and carry minimal risk aside from rare, mild skin irritation from sensors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the protocol could reveal specific treadmill and feedback combinations that improve paretic leg propulsion and help clinicians tailor gait training to restore more symmetrical walking after stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using split-belt treadmills and targeted sensory feedback have shown promise for improving gait symmetry after stroke, though combining mechanical constraints with multisensory feedback in a single-session protocol is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Aged 20 years or older For stroke group: clinical diagnosis of stroke at least 1 month prior to participation Ability to walk at least 10 meters with or without assistive devices For healthy group: able to walk independently without assistive devices Exclusion Criteria: Life expectancy less than one year Comatose or unable to follow three-step commands Amputation of any lower limb Poorly controlled diabetes (e.g., foot ulceration) Blindness Progressive neurological disease Medically unstable condition Significant musculoskeletal impairments affecting gait Congestive heart failure or unstable angina Peripheral vascular disease Severe neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., dementia, cognitive deficits, severe depression)
Where it's running
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University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mansoo Ko, PhD
- Email: mako@utmb.edu
- Phone: 409-747-1617
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.