Wearable device for improving walking in stroke survivors
A Wearable for Post-stroke Rehabilitative Multi-muscle Stimulation Inspired by the Natural Organization of Neuromuscular Control
This study is testing a special wearable device to see if it can help stroke survivors improve their walking by training their muscles to move more normally.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT04154514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate a customizable 10-channel Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device designed to enhance gait rehabilitation in chronic stroke survivors. Participants will undergo 18 sessions of FES training over approximately one month, utilizing principles from motor neuroscience to target specific muscle synergies. The goal is to help participants learn to suppress abnormal muscle patterns and adopt more normal walking patterns through repeated stimulation. The study addresses the need for more effective rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors who struggle with mobility.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed elderly chronic stroke survivors aged 40 and above, who are at least six months post-stroke and can walk for 15 minutes continuously.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot follow instructions, have severe cognitive impairments, or present with certain medical conditions such as major depression or diabetes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve walking ability and quality of life for chronic stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While previous FES interventions have shown mixed results, this approach of multi-muscle stimulation is innovative and may offer new insights into effective rehabilitation strategies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Right-handed elderly chronic stroke survivors; age ≥40; ≥6 months post-stroke 2. Unilateral ischemic brain lesions 3. Participants should be able to walk continuously for ≥15 min. with or without assistive aid Exclusion Criteria: 1. Cannot comprehend and follow instructions, or with a score \<21 on the mini-mental state exam; 2. Have cardiac pacemaker; 3. Have skin lesions at the locations where FES or EMG electrodes may be attached; 4. Have major depression; 5. Present with severe neglect 6. Patients with type i and ii diabetes
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vincent Chi Kwan Cheung, PhD
- Email: vckc@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 3943 9389
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.