Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Paired With Mobility Training For Gait Recovery After Chronic Ischemic Stroke With Integration Of Biomarker Assessment
Mayo Clinic
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with mobility training to improve lower extremity function and gait in individuals with chronic ischemic stroke.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Ischemic stroke ≥6 months prior to enrollment. * Post-stroke lower extremity impairment defined as gait velocity of less than 0.8 m/s on a 10-meter walk test * Provision of informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Intracerebral Hemorrhage * Active or prior psychosis or substance abuse within two years. * Pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3-5. * Unable to participate in in-clinic rehabilitation. * Preexisting neurological disorders affecting gait and mobility, such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS),…
Interventions
- OtherVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with mobility training
Participants will complete a 6-week in-clinic therapy phase (3 sessions per week), where a physical therapist will lead mobility training with VNS delivered via a handheld magnet. This will be followed by a 6-week at-home phase where participants continue daily exercises and VNS use, supported by weekly video calls to review at home rehabilitation activity and wearable activity monitors for remote monitoring.
Location
- Mayo Clinic in RochesterRochester, Minnesota