Optimizing Gait Symmetry After Stroke Using Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback

Part of paid clinical trials in Galveston, Texas.

Sponsor
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Study ID
NCT07087769
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Feedback
  • Gait Training
  • Resistance Exercise
  • Split-belt Treadmill
  • Stroke

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
20 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • Treadmill Walking with Split-Belt and/or Tied-Belt Conditions — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants will walk on an instrumented treadmill under split-belt and/or tied-belt conditions depending on their walking capacity. The belt speeds will be adjusted to facilitate locomotor adaptation and evaluate propulsion symmetry.
  • Mechanical Resistance (Pelvis and/or Ankle) depending on participant's walking capacity — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants will walk on a treadmill (Split-belt and/or Tied-belt) with backward-directed resistance applied at the pelvis, ankle, or both. The resistance is used to challenge paretic leg propulsion and assess adaptive gait responses.
  • Sensory Feedback Training — BEHAVIORAL
    Real-time feedback-visual, auditory, or combined-will be provided based on the propulsive force generated during split-belt and/or tied-belt treadmill walking, with or without mechanical resistance.

Study Details

This single-session study aims to evaluate a novel gait training protocol that integrates mechanical constraints and sensory feedback to enhance paretic leg propulsion in individuals post-stroke. The study will include 15 individuals who have experienced a stroke and 15 healthy adults, each aged 20 years or older. Participants will walk on both tied-belt and split-belt treadmills under various training conditions, including backward-directed resistance (applied at the pelvis, ankle, or both) and real-time sensory feedback (visual, auditory, or combined). These interventions will be applied individually and in combination to identify the most effective environment for promoting symmetrical gait patterns. Each session will last approximately two hours. The equipment used is non-invasive, and the risk to participants is minimal.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 25, 2025
Status verified
Mar 2026
Primary completion
Dec 1, 2026
Completion
Dec 1, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Experimental: Gait Training with Combined Sensory Feedback and Mechanical Constraints
    All participants will receive various gait training conditions during a single session. Conditions include treadmill walking (tied-belt and split-belt), backward-directed resistance (applied at pelvis, ankle, or both), sensory feedback (visual, auditory, or combined), and a final combined condition integrating both resistance and feedback. This is a within-subject crossover design.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in Paretic Leg Propulsive Force [ Time Frame: Within a single session (approximately 2 hours) ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas77555
Mansoo Ko
[email protected]
409-772-9555

Find similar trials in Galveston, TX

By condition
Stroke
By specialty
NeurologyBrain disorders
By research site
University of Texas Medical Branch· Galveston, TX

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