Actively Recruiting
Effects of Gait Training Strategies and Noninvasive Stimulation on Neurophysiology and Walking Performance in Able-Bodied Adults A Preliminary Study
Led by Emory University · Updated on 2025-07-28
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how electrical stimulation combined with walking practice impacts the connections between the brain and muscles in able-bodied adults. The goal is to develop new personalized rehabilitation methods based on understanding how brain and spinal circuits respond to these stimulations to improve walking performance. This preliminary study focuses on healthy individuals to explore changes in brain circuits and gait performance induced by electrical stimulation and stepping practice. Participants will take part in 1 to 5 sessions over 2 to 8 weeks. Sessions include treadmill or overground walking practice with or without functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to leg muscles. FES is delivered during specific phases of walking using a specialized device to stimulate ankle muscles. Some participants will also undergo paired associative stimulation combining peripheral electrical stimulation and cortical magnetic pulses. Walking bouts range from 30 seconds to 6 minutes with rest breaks. During visits lasting up to 5 hours each, researchers will measure brain and spinal cord circuit excitability noninvasively before, during, and after walking or stimulation sessions. Assessments include gait performance and neurophysiology tests lasting up to 36 minutes. The study tracks changes in how brain and spinal circuits control muscles and walking ability. Participants’ safety, ability to follow commands, and informed consent are ensured throughout the study, which continues until December 2026.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
AB Gait Estim Neurophysiology
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Healthy without any physical disability, neurological, orthopedic, or other medical disorder affecting walking or study participation
- Ability to walk more than 10 meters overground
- Ability to walk for 1 minute on a treadmill
- Ability to follow 3-stage commands and provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- History or evidence of orthopedic or physical disability
- History or evidence of neurological pathology or disorder
- Pregnancy (female)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Presence of cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic system
- Skin conditions preventing electrical stimulation setup
- Impaired sensation in the left upper limb
- Bruises or cuts at the stimulation electrode placement site
- Enrollment in rehabilitation or another investigational study
- Severe uncontrolled medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, active cancer, renal disease, or epilepsy
- Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation including metal implants, medications increasing cortical excitability, or unexplained dizziness in the past 6 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 to 8 weeks
Participants complete 1 to 5 study sessions involving gait training with or without functional electrical stimulation, or paired associative stimulation to evaluate neural circuit excitability and walking performance.
2 to 5 visits depending on study arm
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30329
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
FACTORIAL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
3
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