Study of Combined Robotic Balance Training and Brain Stimulation to Improve Balance in Adults With Chronic Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a combined approach using robotic balance training and noninvasive brain stimulation to improve balance and posture control in adults who have had a stroke at least six months ago and still experience balance and walking problems. This study, called NEUROBALANCE Stroke, involves 45 participants and aims to understand how these interventions affect brain and muscle activity during balance tasks and how that relates to improvements in clinical balance measures. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups robotic balance training with active brain stimulation, robotic balance training with sham inactive brain stimulation, or standard physical therapy exercises. The robotic training uses a balance platform called Hunova, combined with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation HD-tDCS delivered to the leg motor area for 20 minutes before training in the active group or briefly for sensation in the sham group. The physical therapy group receives dose-matched conventional balance exercises. The study lasts five weeks, with 15 training sessions, and assessments are done before training, immediately after, and two months later. Researchers will measure balance using the Berg Balance Scale and several other tests, as well as brain and muscle activity through imaging and electrical recordings. Participant feedback about brain stimulation and exercise engagement will also be collected to help guide future rehabilitation strategies and personalized training protocols.

Neuromodulation-Enhanced Use of RObotic BALANCE Training to Improve Balance Function in Individuals With Stroke