Geriatric falls: injury severity is high and disproportionate to mechanism.
D A Sterling, J A O'Connor, J Bonadies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11231681Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID07592221
Combined Functional Electrical and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Foot Drop: A Case Series
Led by Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia · Updated on 2026-05-18
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
34 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) can better help people who have difficulty lifting their toes after a stroke. This study focuses on individuals who have had one or more strokes affecting ankle dorsiflexion and aims to see if this combined approach can reduce foot drop by improving toe clearance and ankle movement during walking. Participants receive tDCS through electrodes placed on the scalp targeting the motor cortex region linked to the affected leg, delivering a one milliamp current for 60 minutes during gait training twice weekly for eight weeks. FES is applied to the tibialis anterior muscle of the impaired leg using electrodes placed over the common peroneal nerve and muscle belly. During sessions, participants also perform leg strengthening exercises including treadmill training with forward and backward walking, obstacle navigation, ramp, and stair ambulation. Before treatment starts, assessments of toe clearance and gait speed are done 2-3 days prior, with follow-up tests 2-3 days after completing 12 sessions over 6-8 weeks. Additional measures include functional gait and balance scales. Vitals and heart rate are monitored during each session, along with perceived exertion ratings. Participants are followed through the treatment period to evaluate improvements and safety.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Combined Functional Electrical and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Foot Drop
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years or older
- Have had one or more strokes more than 6 months ago affecting ankle dorsiflexion
- Discharged from all rehabilitative services
- Able to walk independently with or without an assistive device such as a cane but without an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) for at least 15 minutes
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to understand or repeat two-step commands
- Have peripheral neuropathy
- History of skull or scalp damage such as fracture
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Extremely high or low blood pressure or heart rate
- Experience chest pain or shortness of breath at rest
- Received Botox injections to the leg or foot within the last 4 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants receive combined functional electrical stimulation (FES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with gait training involving treadmill, obstacle, ramp, and stair ambulation to improve foot drop.
Twice weekly visits for 8 weeks
Follow-up
Duration - 2 to 3 days
Participants undergo assessments including minimum toe clearance, gait speed, functional gait, and balance 2-3 days after the final treatment session to evaluate the effects of the intervention.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
G
Greg Thielman, EdD
S
Sylvester Carter, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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