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Brain Stimulation + Gait Training for Stroke Recovery

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Sangeetha Madhavan

Research Sponsored by University of Illinois at Chicago

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Age greater than 18 years

Walking speed lesser than 1.2 m/s

Must not have

Lesions involving the brainstem and cerebellum

Uncontrolled anti-spasticity medications during the study period

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change from baseline to immediately after training and baseline to 3 months follow up

Summary

This trial is testing a brain stimulation protocol to improve walking outcomes in people with stroke. The goal is to understand the neural mechanisms associated with response to the intervention.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults who've had their first stroke more than 3 months ago, can walk at least 5 minutes with or without a walking aid but slower than 1.2 m/s, and have some movement in the affected leg. They shouldn't have severe muscle stiffness, major heart or lung diseases, certain mental impairments, skin conditions worsened by stimulation, metal head implants, pacemakers, recent concussions or be pregnant.

What is being tested?

The study tests if brain stimulation combined with ankle exercises and high-speed treadmill training improves walking after a stroke. It also looks into how the brain changes with this treatment. Participants will receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alongside physical therapy interventions.

What are the potential side effects?

Possible side effects include mild discomfort or itching under the electrode during tDCS; fatigue from physical exercises; and risks associated with intense exercise like shortness of breath or increased heart rate.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am older than 18 years.

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I walk slower than 1.2 meters per second.

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I can move my ankle upwards at least 5 degrees.

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I have difficulty walking due to partial paralysis.

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My leg movement is moderately impaired.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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My cancer has spread to my brainstem or cerebellum.

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I am not taking any uncontrolled anti-spasticity medications.

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I frequently have headaches without a known cause.

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I have a history of seizures or epilepsy.

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I do not have any unhealed sores or ongoing infections.

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I experience increased sensitivity or pain from touch.

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I do not have uncontrolled heart, lung, or metabolic conditions.

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I am taking medication that could make me more prone to seizures.

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I have stiffness in my leg that limits its movement.

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I have a skin or scalp condition that might worsen with tDCS treatment.

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I have severe osteoporosis.

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I have skull abnormalities or fractures.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change from baseline to immediately after training and baseline to 3 months follow up

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change from baseline to immediately after training and baseline to 3 months follow up

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from baseline to immediately after training and baseline to 3 months follow up for reporting.