Focus of Attention for Stroke Rehabilitation
(FOA Chronic Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to fill some gaps in the literature by examining the effects of focus of attention on motor learning and motor performance of sit to stand in individuals post chronic stroke. This study will investigate whether an internal or external focus of attention can lead to improved use of the affected lower extremity during the sit to stand transition, while maintaining an upright trunk position. More specifically, the study has two purposes. The first is to determine whether an external or internal focus of attention would lead to better motor learning of sit to stand. This is measured by retention testing and transfer of the task to changes in affected lower extremity weight bearing during gait. The second purpose of this study is to investigate whether an internal or external focus of attention affects the performance of sit to stands during training.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo baseline assessment including demographic and clinical information collection, and initial sit to stand and gait measurements.
Training
Participants perform sit to stand training under either internal or external focus conditions, with multiple sets and repetitions.
Retention Testing
Participants undergo retention testing immediately after training and 1 hour post-training to assess motor learning and performance.
Follow-up
Participants return one week later to complete the protocol in the opposite attentional condition.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Focus of Attention
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants were given instructions that make them think about an outside target/outcome. Prior to training, a demonstration of the task was provided to the participants with emphasis to weight shift towards the affected side. For the internal focus condition, participants were told, "as you stand up and as you sit down try to bring the targets together like this." Participants were asked to perform one repetition with the question "can you show me?" The demonstration was only provided before the first set, but the same verbal instructions were given prior to the start of each successive set during training. During training, individuals performed four sets of 10 sit to stand repetitions, yielding a total of 40 repetitions.
Participants were given instructions that make them think about their body's movements. Prior to training, a demonstration of the task was provided to the participants with emphasis to weight shift towards the affected side. For the internal focus condition, participants were told, "as you stand up and as you sit down bring your right/left (R/L) shoulder and R/L hip as far to the R/L as possible." Participants were asked to perform one repetition with the question "can you show me?" The demonstration was only provided before the first set, but the same verbal instructions were given prior to the start of each successive set during training. During training, individuals performed four sets of 10 sit to stand repetitions, yielding a total of 40 repetitions.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Western Carolina University
Lead Sponsor
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