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Perturbation Training for Stroke

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Jesse Dean

Research Sponsored by Medical University of South Carolina

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

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

Must have

Gait speed of at least 0.2 m/s

Ability to walk on a treadmill without a cane or walker

Must not have

History of unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living

Orthopedic injuries or conditions (e.g. joint replacements) in the lower extremities with the potential to alter the gait pattern

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 32 weeks (12-week period pre-intervention; 12-week period post-intervention)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial investigates whether two methods of delivering mechanical perturbations during walking can improve post-stroke walking balance and reduce real-world fall incidence for stroke patients.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals who had a stroke at least 6 months ago, have experienced falls or fear falling, can walk on a treadmill without support, and have a walking speed of at least 0.2 meters per second. It's not suitable for those with certain heart conditions, other neurological disorders or dementia, severe lower limb orthopedic issues, cerebellar damage, extremely high blood pressure, significant visual impairments, recent DVT/pulmonary embolism events or uncontrolled diabetes.

What is being tested?

The study examines two types of mechanical perturbations during walking—proactive and reactive—to see if they improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in post-stroke patients. Participants will be subjected to these perturbations while walking to assess their effectiveness in enhancing stability.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects are not listed for this type of physical intervention trial, participants may experience discomfort or muscle soreness due to the unusual walking challenges presented by the perturbations.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

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

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I can walk at a speed of at least 0.2 meters per second.

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I can walk on a treadmill without needing a cane or walker.

Exclusion Criteria

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

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I have a history of serious heart conditions.

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I have a leg or foot condition that affects how I walk.

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I am legally blind or have severe trouble seeing.

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I have diabetes with recent weight loss, diabetic coma, or frequent insulin reactions.

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I have damage to the part of my brain that controls balance.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 32 weeks (12-week period pre-intervention; 12-week period post-intervention)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~32 weeks (12-week period pre-intervention; 12-week period post-intervention)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 32 weeks (12-week period pre-intervention; 12-week period post-intervention) for reporting.