Understanding post-stroke gait training with electrical stimulation
Official title: Biomechanical and Neural Mechanisms of Post-stroke Gait Training
Run by Emory University · NCT04380454 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing two different ways to help stroke survivors walk better, one with just fast treadmill walking and the other with fast treadmill walking plus electrical stimulation, to see which works best for improving their movement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT04380454 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are stroke survivors who are at least six months post-stroke, can walk 10 meters with or without assistance, and have sufficient cardiovascular health.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with hemorrhagic stroke, significant coordination issues, or other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the biomechanical and neural mechanisms behind two gait rehabilitation treatments for stroke survivors: fast treadmill walking and fast treadmill walking combined with functional electrical stimulation. By examining how these interventions affect gait quality and function, the research aims to develop personalized gait treatments tailored to individual needs. The study addresses the complex nature of stroke-related gait deficits, which often persist after traditional rehabilitation, impacting patients' quality of life. The goal is to enhance understanding of the factors influencing gait improvements in stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective, personalized rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors, improving their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using gait training and electrical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* at least 6 months since stroke
* single cortical or subcortical ischemic stroke
* able to walk 10-meters with or without assistive device
* sufficient cardiovascular health and ankle stability to walk on treadmill for 2-minutes at self-selected speed without orthosis
* resting heart rate 40-100 bpm
Exclusion Criteria:
* hemorrhagic stroke
* cerebellar signs (ataxic ("drunken") gait or decreased coordination during rapid alternating hand or foot movements
* score of \>1 on question 1b and \>0 on question 1c on NIH Stroke Scale
* inability to communicate with investigators
* musculoskeletal conditions or pain that limit walking
* neglect/hemianopia, or unexplained dizziness in last 6 months
* neurologic conditions or diagnoses other than stroke
* lack of sensation in lower limb affected by stroke
* any medical diagnosis that would hinder the participant from completing the experimental trial
* additional exclusion criteria due to contra-indications to TMS (measurement of corticospinal excitability) are: history of seizures, metal implants in the head or face, history of recurring or severe headaches/migraine, headache within the past 24 hours, presence of skull abnormalities or fractures, hemorrhagic stroke, history of dizziness, syncope, nausea, or loss of consciousness in the past 6 months
Where it's running
-
Emory University Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD
- Email: trisha.m.kesar@emory.edu
- Phone: (404) 712-5803
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
-
Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
-
AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals
This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.
-
Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke
This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.
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Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2
Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.
-
Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke
In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.
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.