Using electrical stimulation to improve balance and reduce fall risk in stroke patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on balance and gait performance in individuals with chronic stroke. Participants will undergo a series of tests involving postural disturbances and walking assessments, both with and without the application of NMES to their lower limb muscles. The goal is to determine if targeted muscle stimulation can enhance their ability to respond to slips and trips, thereby improving their overall mobility and reducing fall risk.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Age group: 18-90 years.

1. Presence of hemiparesis.
2. Onset of stroke (\> 6 months).
3. Ability to walk independently with or without an assistive device for at least 300 ft.
4. Can understand and communicate in English.
5. Cognitively and behaviorally capable of complying with the regimen (Montreal Cognitive Assessment \> 25/30).

Exclusion Criteria:

Subjects will not proceed with the test if any of the following occurs at baseline measurement: 1) HR \> 85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax) (HRmax = 220 - age), 2) systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 165 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \> 110 mmHg during rest, or 3) oxygen saturation (measured by pulse oximeter) \< 95% during rest.

1. Body weight more than 250 lbs.
2. Any neurological condition other than stroke.
3. Any cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, or systemic diagnosis.
4. Recent major surgery (\< 6 months) or hospitalization (\< 3 months).
5. Deep venous thrombosis.
6. Antecedent of cancer.
7. Peripheral nerve injury or neuropathy in the affected limb with motor disability.
8. Spasticity (Ashworth scale \> 2).
9. Uncontrolled high blood pressure/angina.
10. Skin condition not tolerant with FES therapy.
11. Uncontrolled seizure disorder.
12. Botox treatment within the last 5 months.
13. History of epilepsy.
14. Pacemaker users.

Excluded or Vulnerable Populations Non-English speaking populations will be excluded as the consent procedures and instructions will be in English.

Where it's running

• University of Illinois at Chicago
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tanvi Bhatt, PhD — University of Illinois Chicago
• Study coordinator: Rudri M Purohit, MS,PT
• Email: rpuroh2@uic.edu
• Phone: 3124139772

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.