Improving walking symmetry after stroke with treadmill resistance and sensory feedback
Optimizing Post-Stroke Gait Symmetry: Integrating Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback to Enhance Paretic Leg Propulsion
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Galveston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07087769 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Galveston, Texas
- 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
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.