Upper limb movement to improve lower limb recovery after stroke
Upper Limb-based Movement Priming for Lower Limb Neuroplasticity & Motor Recovery in Stroke
This study tests if moving the arms can help people who have had a stroke recover better and improve their leg movement.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Illinois at Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05919043 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of upper limb-based movement priming on neuroplasticity and motor recovery in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Participants will engage in three different priming sessions: upper limb priming, sham priming with auditory stimulation, and lower limb movement-based priming. The study aims to compare the outcomes of these different priming modalities to determine their effectiveness in enhancing lower limb function. By focusing on chronic stroke patients, the research seeks to uncover potential benefits of upper limb movements on lower limb recovery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic, single, monohemispheric stroke who exhibit residual hemiparetic gait deficits.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders, significant spasticity, or uncontrolled medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved motor recovery and neuroplasticity in stroke patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring movement priming have shown promise in enhancing motor recovery in stroke patients.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Single, monohemispheric stroke * Chronic stroke (\> 6 months prior) * Residual hemiparetic gait deficits (e.g., abnormal gait pattern) * Minimum score of stage 2 on the Chedoke Arm Impairment Scale which includes stage 2, task 3 (facilitated elbow flexion) as one of the stage 2 tasks. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of anti-spasticity medications * Existence of other neurological disorders * Have brainstem or cerebellar lesions. * Score of ≥2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale. * MMSE score of \<21, to ensure they will follow instructions. * Non-English-speaking individuals * Bone, joint or soft tissue injury * Uncontrolled medical conditions (such as uncontrolled hypertension, untreated cardiac disease, or untreated pulmonary disease) * No Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during TMS TMS exclusion criteria * Previous adverse reaction to TMS * Skull abnormalities or fractures * Concussion within the prior 6 months * Unexplained, recurring headaches * Implanted cardiac pacemaker * Metal implants in the head or face * History of seizures or epilepsy * Use of medications that could alter cortical excitability or increase risk of seizure (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants) * Current pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Brain Plasticity Lab — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sangeetha Madhavan, PT, PhD — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sangeetha Madhavan, PT, PhD
- Email: smadhava@uic.edu
- Phone: 312-355-2507
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.