Electrical Stimulation and Gait Training for Improved Walking
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking medications that can increase cortical excitability, you may not be eligible to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Electrical Stimulation and Gait Training for Improved Walking?
Research shows that combining functional electrical stimulation (FES) with gait training can improve walking ability in people recovering from a stroke. Studies found that using an electromechanical gait trainer with FES led to better outcomes compared to conventional gait training alone, indicating that FES adds benefits to walking therapy.12345
How is the Gait Training treatment different from other treatments for improving walking?
Gait Training with electrical stimulation is unique because it uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions and coordinated movements, which helps restore more natural walking patterns that are difficult to achieve with voluntary effort alone. This approach can be more effective than traditional gait training, especially when combined with technologies like electromechanical gait trainers or body weight-supported treadmill training.12678
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study is being done to answer the question: What are the effects of electrical stimulation and stepping practice on connections between the brain and muscles? The long-term goal of this project is to develop novel, effective, and personalized rehabilitation protocols founded on an understanding of neurobiological mechanisms that combine electrical stimulation with gait training to improve gait performance in older adults and stroke survivors.The rationale of this project is to explore and generate preliminary data regarding how electrical stimulation-based strategies modulate cortical and spinal circuits in able-bodied individuals.The researchers will evaluate the effects of short treadmill walking bouts or single gait training sessions with and without electrical stimulation on somatosensory, spinal-reflex, corticospinal circuit neurophysiology, and/or gait performance.The study will provide important preliminary and normative data that can explain how brain circuits change with stimulation or stepping practice and inform future rehabilitation studies on patients. The study population is able-bodied individuals.
Research Team
Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD
Principal Investigator
Emory University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for able-bodied individuals aged 18-65 who can walk and follow commands. They must not have any physical disabilities, neurological disorders, or medical conditions that affect walking or participation in the study protocol.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo gait training with or without electrical stimulation over 2-8 weeks, including multiple walking bouts and non-invasive measurements.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in neurophysiology and gait performance after treatment.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
- Gait Training
- Peripheral electrical stimulation paired with cortical stimulation pulses
Gait Training is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Cerebral Palsy
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Stroke Rehabilitation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Emory University
Lead Sponsor