Optimizing Post-Stroke Gait Symmetry: Integrating Mechanical Constraints and Sensory Feedback to Enhance Paretic Leg Propulsion
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Summary
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.
Description
The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an integrated gait training paradigm that combines mechanical task constraints and sensory feedback during split-belt treadmill walking to enhance paretic leg propulsion and improve propulsion symmetry in individuals post-stroke. The risks associated with this study are lower than those encountered during daily walking in the community and in typical physical therapy clinics, where patients with physical impairments routinely engage in challenging exercises to improve their abilities. There is a slight possibility of local skin irrita…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 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 Exclusion Criteria: 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 Cong…
Interventions
- BehavioralTreadmill Walking with Split-Belt and/or Tied-Belt Conditions
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.
- BehavioralMechanical Resistance (Pelvis and/or Ankle) depending on participant's walking capacity
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.
- BehavioralSensory Feedback Training
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.
Location
- University of Texas Medical BranchGalveston, Texas