Gait Training for Stroke
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new method to improve walking for individuals who have had a stroke. It combines mechanical assistance, like resistance, with sensory feedback, such as sounds or visuals, to enhance balance while walking. Participants will experience various treadmill setups and feedback types to identify the most effective method for improving leg movement. Individuals who had a stroke at least a month ago and can walk at least 10 meters, even with assistance, may qualify. The trial's activities are safe and non-invasive, posing minimal risk. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative walking improvement methods in a safe environment.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this gait training protocol is safe for stroke patients?
Research has shown that using special equipment and feedback to assist with walking is generally safe for stroke survivors. In past studies, participants improved their walking with minimal risk. The tools, such as treadmills and feedback devices, do not require surgery or invasive procedures, making them low-risk.
Participants in similar studies experienced significant improvements in walking ability with only a small amount of additional therapy over short periods. This suggests that the treatment is well-tolerated and has few side effects. Overall, the equipment and methods are designed to be safe and pose minimal risk to participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a unique approach to gait training for stroke survivors by combining mechanical constraints and sensory feedback. Unlike traditional rehabilitation methods that focus on repetitive physical therapy exercises, this approach integrates treadmill walking with backward-directed resistance and sensory feedback, offering a dynamic training environment. The use of visual and auditory feedback alongside physical resistance helps retrain the brain and body to improve walking patterns more effectively. This innovative method has the potential to enhance recovery by engaging multiple senses and motor functions simultaneously, leading to more comprehensive rehabilitation outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this gait training protocol is effective for stroke recovery?
Research has shown that combining physical support and sensory feedback can improve walking in people who have had a stroke. In this trial, participants will experience various gait training conditions, including treadmill walking, backward-directed resistance, and sensory feedback. Studies have found that gait training, a type of walking exercise, enhances balance and steadiness for stroke survivors. One study found that real-time feedback while walking reduces uneven steps and improves balance. Another study suggested that adding resistance, such as gently pulling back on the legs while walking, may increase walking speed. Overall, these methods aim to help stroke survivors walk more smoothly and confidently.12678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 20 or older who have had a stroke, as well as healthy adults. It's designed to help improve walking patterns after a stroke by using special treadmills and feedback techniques.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo a single-session gait training protocol integrating mechanical constraints and sensory feedback
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback
Trial Overview
The study tests how different treadmill settings (tied-belt and split-belt) and resistance levels at the pelvis or ankle can affect walking symmetry post-stroke. Sensory feedback like visual or auditory cues will also be used to see if they aid in gait training.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
All participants will receive various gait training conditions during a single session. Conditions include treadmill walking (tied-belt and split-belt), backward-directed resistance (applied at pelvis, ankle, or both), sensory feedback (visual, auditory, or combined), and a final combined condition integrating both resistance and feedback. This is a within-subject crossover design.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Lead Sponsor
Citations
1.
trial.medpath.com
trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/db70187b56bee54d/nct07087769-stroke-gait-symmetry-sensory-feedback-paretic-legOptimizing Gait Symmetry After Stroke Using Mechanical ...
This single-session study aims to evaluate a novel gait training protocol that integrates mechanical constraints and sensory feedback to enhance
Gait training strategies to optimize walking ability in people ...
Although 65% to 85% of stroke survivors learn to walk independently by 6 months post stroke [6], gait abnormalities persist through the chronic stages of the ...
Current Trends in Gait Rehabilitation for Stroke Survivors
Results revealed that combining functional electrical stimulation with conventional rehabilitation was more effective in improving walking speed ...
Gait Training in Chronic Stroke Using Walk-Even Feedback ...
This pilot study suggests that a combination of strength and gait training with real-time feedback may reduce temporal asymmetry and enhance weight-bearing.
Comparative efficacy of gait training for balance outcomes ...
Conclusion Gait training is an effective treatment for improving stroke patients' dynamic steady-state balance and balance test batteries.
Feasibility and outcomes of supplemental gait training by ...
Participants showed meaningful functional improvement with relatively little supplemental therapy over a relatively short time in study.
Development of sensory augmentation methods to improve ...
The proposed project will develop and conduct initial clinical testing of a novel approach to improve post-stroke gait instability through the augmentation of ...
Advancing gait rehabilitation through wearable technologies
3.2. Wearable systems that deliver sensory feedback can enhance gait rehabilitation by providing real-time, task-specific input in a portable format, based on ...
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