Using electrical stimulation on the tibial nerve to improve walking in stroke patients.
Assessing the Usefulness of Functional Electrical Stimulation Program on Tibial Nerve for Rehabilitation of Chronic Stroke Patients
This study tests if using electrical stimulation on the tibial nerve can help stroke patients walk better by strengthening their leg muscles.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Gran Rosario Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rosario, Santa Fe Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT05240716 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applied to the tibial nerve on improving gait in patients who have experienced chronic hemiparetic stroke. The research is based on the premise that enhancing the activation of the triceps surae muscle can lead to improved gait speed. Participants will undergo a structured FES program aimed at strengthening this muscle group, with the goal of assessing its impact on their walking ability. The study employs a prospective interventional design and utilizes non-probabilistic sampling for participant selection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 who have experienced a chronic ischemic stroke and can walk independently for at least 20 meters.
Not a fit: Patients with previous injuries to the affected limb or severe peripheral nervous system issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance walking ability and overall quality of life for stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: While FES has shown promise in healthy subjects, its application in chronic stroke patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ranging between 18 to 70 years. * Subjects with chronic ischemic stroke (more than 12 months of evolution) * Ability to walk 20 mts. without third-party assistance. * Hemiparesis with weakness and spasticity in the triceps surae. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous injury on paretic lower limb * Soft tissue or joint retraction limiting ankle range of motion (ROM) * Severe peripheral nervous system compromise * Electronic devices that could be altered by the use of FES (e.g. cardiac pacemaker)
Where this trial is running
Rosario, Santa Fe Province
- Department of Physical Therapy, Neurofunctional Research Unit - UIN, University Center for Assistance, Teaching and Research - CUADI University of Gran Rosario — Rosario, Santa Fe Province, Argentina (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Melisa Taborda, MSc
- Email: mtaborda@ugr.edu.ar
- Phone: 2477663051
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.