Training to improve walking balance after a stroke
Proactive and Reactive Perturbation Training to Reduce Falls and Improve Gait Stability in People with Chronic Stroke
NA · Medical University of South Carolina · NCT04855032
This study tests two different training methods to see if they can help people who have had a stroke improve their walking balance and reduce the risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT04855032 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of two different methods of delivering mechanical perturbations during walking to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants will engage in reactive and proactive perturbation training to assess their impact on post-stroke walking stability. The study aims to address the high incidence of falls among stroke survivors, which significantly affects their quality of life. By focusing on practical interventions, the research seeks to provide a solution to a prevalent issue in stroke rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have had a stroke at least 6 months prior and have experienced a fall or fear of falling.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological disorders, significant cardiovascular issues, or those with orthopedic conditions affecting gait may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance walking balance and reduce fall risk for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific methods of perturbation training may be novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving balance and reducing falls in stroke patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Experience of a stroke at least 6 months prior to participation * Self-reported experience of a fall in the previous year, and/or a fear of falling * Gait speed of at least 0.2 m/s * Ability to walk on a treadmill without a cane or walker * Provision of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of cerebellar damage * Resting blood pressure higher than 220/110 mm Hg * History of unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living * Preexisting neurological disorders or dementia * Legal blindness or severe visual impairment * History of DVT or pulmonary embolism within 6 months * Uncontrolled diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions * Orthopedic injuries or conditions (e.g. joint replacements) in the lower extremities with the potential to alter the gait pattern
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jesse Dean — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Camden Jacobs
- Email: jacobsca@musc.edu
- Phone: 8437929013
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.
Conditions: Stroke