Actively Recruiting
Optimizing Post-Stroke Gait Symmetry: Integrating Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback to Enhance Paretic Leg Propulsion
Led by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston · Updated on 2026-04-01
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a new gait training method that combines mechanical constraints and sensory feedback to improve the walking ability of individuals who have had a stroke. This study involves 15 people post-stroke and 15 healthy adults aged 20 years or older. The goal is to enhance the strength and symmetry of the paretic leg during walking by testing different conditions on treadmills, including split-belt and tied-belt setups. Participants will walk on treadmills under various conditions in a single session lasting about two hours. These conditions include backward resistance applied at the pelvis, ankle, or both, and real-time sensory feedback through visual, auditory, or combined signals. The study uses a within-subject design where each participant experiences all conditions individually and combined to find the most effective way to promote balanced walking. During the visit, participants will sign consent forms, share medical history, and have measurements such as weight, height, and heart rate taken. They will undergo walking assessments on the treadmill and overground to evaluate leg propulsion and gait patterns. Researchers will measure changes in leg force, muscle activity, joint motion, step length, walking speed, and other gait parameters. The study includes safety monitoring and lasts about one to two hours with minimal risk to participants.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Optimizing Gait Symmetry After Stroke Using Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 20 years or older
- For stroke group: clinical diagnosis of stroke at least 1 month prior to participation
- Ability to walk at least 10 meters with or without assistive devices
- For healthy group: able to walk independently without assistive devices
You will not qualify if you...
- Life expectancy less than one year
- Comatose or unable to follow three-step commands
- Amputation of any lower limb
- Poorly controlled diabetes (e.g., foot ulceration)
- Blindness
- Progressive neurological disease
- Medically unstable condition
- Significant musculoskeletal impairments affecting gait
- Congestive heart failure or unstable angina
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Severe neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g., dementia, cognitive deficits, severe depression)
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 - Approximately 1 to 2 hours during one session
Participants undergo a single session of gait training involving treadmill walking under split-belt and tied-belt conditions with mechanical resistance and sensory feedback to improve walking symmetry and paretic leg propulsion.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas, United States, 77555
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mansoo Ko, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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