Program to improve walking and balance after brain injury

Post-Brain Injury Walking and Balance Recovery Program

NA · The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · NCT05934773

This study is testing a personalized training program using a robotic treadmill to help people recovering from brain injuries walk better and improve their balance.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston (other)
Locations1 site (Galveston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05934773 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program aims to enhance walking performance and balance in individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) through a personalized training strategy. Participants will undergo a series of assessments to create a tailored intervention plan that includes the use of a KineAssist robotic treadmill. The program focuses on improving walking speed, strength, endurance, and balance, addressing the common challenges faced by TBI survivors. The hypothesis is that those with less severe impairments will show greater improvements compared to those with more significant challenges.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are ambulatory post-TBI and currently enrolled at the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive disorders or loss of lower limbs may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the mobility and independence of patients recovering from brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using robotic-assisted rehabilitation for improving gait and balance in similar populations, indicating a potential for success with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ages 18 years and older
* All demographic groups will be invited to participate and would have equal access
* Post-TBI individuals currently enrolled at the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute
* Ambulatory with or without assistive devices
* Subjects with expressive aphasia in the case of a caregiver able to provide assistance when needed
* English-speaking or have a certified interpreter that is English-speaking who will be present for interpretation during the study
* Medically stable (controlled hypertension, no arrhythmia, stable cardiovascular status)
* Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with loss of lower limb
* History of serious cardiac disease (e.g., myocardial infarction)
* Uncontrolled blood pressure (systolic pressure \>140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure \>90 mmHg)
* Subjects with receptive aphasia
* Presence of cerebellar and brainstem deficits
* Severe cognitive disorder
* Uncontrolled respiratory or metabolic disorders
* Major or acute musculoskeletal problems
* Spasticity management that included phenol block injections within 12 months or botulinum toxin injections within 4 months of the study
* Body weight greater than 250 pounds (due to robotic device weight restrictions)

Where this trial is running

Galveston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Acquired Brain Injury, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Gait Rehabilitation, Robotic Treadmill

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.