Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Treadmill-Based Gait Training in Patients With Stroke

Hemiplegia is one of the most common sequelae after stroke. Most patients develop thermal asymmetry between the affected and contralateral sides of the body, as well as an asymmetric gait pattern characterized by differences in the duration of gait cycle phases, step length, cadence, and weight distribution between limbs. These patterns result in reduced aerobic capacity, endurance, energy efficiency, and walking speed, negatively impacting the patient's functional abilities. There are different methodologies for the treatment gait impairments. Among them, treadmill training has been investigated as an effective therapeutic approach to post-stroke rehabilitation. Treadmill gait training may reduce asymmetry between hemibodies in hemiplegic patients. For this reason, our aim is to describe the effects of treadmill training on gait, focusing on its impact on thermal asymmetry, walking speed, aerobic endurance, and the biomechanical and kinematic characteristics of gait. Patients with hemiplegia will undergo treadmill-based gait training to evaluate its influence on the recovery of this sequel of stroke.

Dual-tasking Effect on Gait in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

The aim of the study is to collect data in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) aged between 7 and 17 years for analyses of the gait pattern while walking at the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) at the university hospital of Ghent. Children with DCD will be asked to take a motor test (M-ABC-2) as well as walk on the treadmill during a single session of approximately 3 hours. The following data will be collected on the GRAIL while subjects walk at different gait speeds: 3D kinematics, kinetics, and EMG. Additionally, 3D kinematics, kinetics, and EMG data will be collected when performing either a cognitive (Stroop Color and Word Test) or motor (requiring arm swing) dual-task while walking at comfortable walking speed..

Innovative Approaches to Enhance Balance and Neuroplasticity in Multiple Sclerosis

This study will evaluate the effects of combining balance training with electrical stimulation techniques in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS commonly impairs leg strength, coordination, and balance, increasing the risk of falls and reducing independence. The interventions include:Balance training only, Balance training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), and Balance training with FES and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS). FES delivers small electrical pulses to leg muscles, while TSCS delivers electrical signals through the skin to stimulate the spinal cord and enhance motor control. The study will enroll up to 24 participants over a 3-year period. This trial is funded by MS Canada. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) balance training only, (2) balance training with FES, or (3) balance training with FES and TSCS. All participants will complete 12 supervised training sessions over 6 weeks. During each session, participants will engage in interactive balance games while standing in a safety harness.Outcome assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (prior to training), post-intervention (after 6 weeks), and follow-up (8 weeks after training). Assessments will include: * Clinical tests of mobility and balance (Timed Up and Go:TUG, 10-Meter Walk Test:10MWT, Berg Balance Scale:BBS) * Computerized balance testing using a force plate * Questionnaires on walking ability, fear of falling, and balance confidence * Neurophysiological measures of brain-spinal cord-muscle communication before and after training

Effects of Heel Height on Gait Parameters

This observational study aims to investigate the effects of different shoe heel heights on gait parameters and pelvic kinematics in healthy adults aged 18-35 years. Each participant will be assessed under three conditions: barefoot, wearing shoes with 2 cm heels, and wearing shoes with 6 cm heels. Spatiotemporal gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, step length, stance and swing phase percentages, gait cycle duration) and pelvic kinematics (tilt, obliquity, rotation symmetry) will be measured using the BTS-G wireless sensor system. The study seeks to identify biomechanical differences associated with heel height and to provide data that may contribute to shoe design and individualized rehabilitation strategies.

Effects of Pes Planus on Gait at Different Inclines

This study aims to investigate the effects of pes planus deformity on gait spatiotemporal parameters and pelvic kinematics during walking on different inclines. Participants will include healthy adults aged 18-35 years with flexible bilateral pes planus and normal body mass index. Pes planus severity will be evaluated using the Jack's toe-raise test and the navicular drop test. Gait parameters such as walking speed, cadence, stride length, stance and swing phase percentages, gait cycle duration, as well as pelvic tilt, obliquity, and rotation symmetry will be measured using the BTS-G wireless sensor system. Assessments will be performed on both flat and inclined treadmill conditions. The findings are expected to provide new insights into the biomechanical adaptations of pes planus during walking and contribute to the development of an individualized rehabilitation protocol.

Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phases on Gait, Pelvis, and Sleep

This study aims to investigate the effects of different phases of the menstrual cycle on gait spatiotemporal characteristics, pelvic kinematics, and sleep quality in healthy women aged 18-35 years with regular menstrual cycles. Participants will be assessed in three phases of the cycle: early follicular (days 1-3), ovulation (days 7-9, confirmed by ovulation test), and luteal (days 20-23). Gait parameters and pelvic kinematics will be evaluated using the BTS-G walk sensor system, while sleep quality will be assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study seeks to determine whether physiological and hormonal changes during menstrual phases lead to measurable differences in gait, pelvic motion, and sleep quality.

Implant for Walking After Incomplete SCI

This is a device study that will evaluate the effect of an implanted stimulator on improving walking in people with incomplete spinal cord injury. There are two phases in the study: 1) Screening - this phase determines if the individual is a good candidate to receive an implanted system, 2) Implantation, controller development, and evaluation - this phase includes implanting the device and setting the individual up for system use, creating controllers for walking, and evaluating the effect of the device over a couple years.

Sensor Ankle Brace for Special Operations Rehabilitation

The primary purpose of this study is to conduct a clinical trial to test a prototype device for feasibility and not health outcomes. To do this, the investigators will evaluate the performance of commercially available inertial measurement unit sensors incorporated into an existing ankle brace ("sXAB") by TayCo Brace, Inc. We will compare the gait metrics calculated from the sensors incorporated into the brace with gold-standard equipment that is used in research and clinical settings to determine whether the sXAB performs adequately in terms of measurement or technical feasibility prior to further clinical evaluation. The sensors in the ankle brace will be validated in the lab, first on healthy subjects walking in standard tennis shoes/sneakers (protocol 1), and secondarily in the lab on healthy subjects wearing combat boots performing walking, running, jumping, and stair climbing (protocol 2). These movements were selected because they simulate key movements performed during operational activities. Protocol 1 will take place first, then aspects of the sXAB will be evaluated and implemented, then protocol 2 will take place. Participants completing protocol 1 are eligible to complete protocol 2. The study includes two cohorts of participants completing different functional tasks. All participants experience both conditions: with an ankle brace and without an ankle brace. Comparisons are made within-subject between brace and no-brace conditions. It is hypothesized that the sensor-enabled ankle brace will measure gait metrics with a high degree of accuracy (within 5%) when compared against the gold-standard lab equipment (i.e., motion capture and research-grade inertial measurement units).

Dual-Task Effects on Gait in Nonspecific Neck Pain

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of motor and cognitive dual-task conditions on gait variability and gait symmetry in individuals with NSNP, compared with healthy controls. This cross-sectional trial will recruit participants aged 18-60, including 21 patients with NSNP and 21 age-matched healthy controls. Gait parameters will be assessed using a wearable sensor system (BTS G-Walk). Primary outcomes are gait variability and gait symmetry under single-task, motor dual-task, and cognitive dual-task walking conditions.

AB Gait Estim Neurophysiology

This study is being done to answer the question: What are the effects of electrical stimulation and stepping practice on connections between the brain and muscles? The long-term goal of this project is to develop novel, effective, and personalized rehabilitation protocols founded on an understanding of neurobiological mechanisms that combine electrical stimulation with gait training to improve gait performance in older adults and stroke survivors. The rationale of this project is to explore and generate preliminary data regarding how electrical stimulation-based strategies modulate cortical and spinal circuits in able-bodied individuals. The researchers will evaluate the effects of short treadmill walking bouts or single gait training sessions with and without electrical stimulation on somatosensory, spinal-reflex, corticospinal circuit neurophysiology, and/or gait performance. The study will provide important preliminary and normative data that can explain how brain circuits change with stimulation or stepping practice and inform future rehabilitation studies on patients. The study population is able-bodied individuals.

Attentional Focus Training on Visuomotor Control in Older Adults

This study will be a pilot randomized controlled trial, to investigate the effectiveness of an external focus training on visuomotor performance while comparing with an active control group.

Gait Rehabilitation to Treat FastOA

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of real-time gait biofeedback delivered over a 6-week period on early markers of FastOA and conduct 6-week and 6-month follow-up assessments in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients.

Feasibility of Fabric Orthosis for Knee Support in Elderly Gait Improvement

This pilot clinical trial assesses the safety and feasibility of a novel fabric-type orthosis designed to mimic the knee extensor muscles and improve gait in elderly patients with mobility impairments due to conditions like sarcopenia, diabetes, or knee osteoarthritis. The study aims to test this orthosis in a real- world setting to see if it can enhance mobility and stability for elderly individuals, potentially reducing falls and improving quality of life. A total of 30 participants aged 65 and older will be recruited to use this orthosis across multiple sessions, where their gait will be analyzed under various conditions to measure the device's impact on walking speed, stability, and muscle activation.

Feasibility of High-intensity Functional Exercise with Simultaneous Cognitive Challenge for Older People with Falls Risk

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a high-intensity functional exercise program with simultaneous cognitive challenge (HIFE+cog) among older people at risk of falls. The evaluation design and intervention development will be assessed with the following specific aims: 1. To investigate the acceptability and safety of the HIFE+cog program in older people at risk of falls, and the methods used in the study by evaluating recruitment, compliance with the intervention, severity of adverse events reported, and participant experiences. 2. To measure key outcome variables, including completion rates, missing data, estimates, variances, and 95% confidence intervals for between-group differences. The study is designed as a randomized controlled pilot trial. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the intervention group (HIFE+cog) or the active control group (HIFE) to partake in individually tailored exercise, supervised and progressed by a physiotherapist, two times per week for 3 months.

Effects of Motor Relearning Program Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Balance and Gait in Stroke

A randomized control trial will be done on diagnosed stroke patients of chronic stage in DHQ Hospital Mirpur and FF Hospital Rawalpindi physical therapy Department.The purpose of the study is to determine Effects of Motor Relearning Program Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Balance and Gait in Stroke . Subjects will complete Berg Balance Scale (BBS). 10-meter walk test for gait speed will be used for measuring walking speed in meters per second over a short distance, Timed-Up-And-Go (TUG) Test will be used for test of functional mobility and gait parameter. All these measures will be taken at baseline, then after 6 weeks of intervention. There will be 4 sessions per week. The control group will receive Group Motor relearning programe while the Study Group (B) will receive Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF)

Effects of Non-immersive Virtual Reality Training Compared to Otago Exercise Program on Balance and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Elderly Population

Falling is a serious concern for the growing elderly population due to age-related decline in physical function, leading to injuries, loss of independence, and a decline in overall well-being. The Otago Exercise Program (OEP), for the elderly consists of lower limb strengthening and balance exercises, leading to better strength, balance, and reduced fear of falling. The interactive and game-like nature of VR training can make it more engaging and motivating for older adults. It can provide challenging and engaging approach to exercise that can help to improve stability, enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of fall.

Analyzing Gait Parameters Among Women With and Without Stress Urinary Incontinence

This study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on stress urinary incontinence and its impact on gait. The findings may have implications for the development of targeted interventions and rehabilitation strategies to improve mobility and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence

Gait and Postural Balance Analysis During Head-motion Perturbed Standing and Walking in Older Adults

The main aim of this study is to unravel the biomechanics of postural balance reactions during head-motion perturbed standing and walking in older adults who fall, while integrating the influence of frailty, sensory functioning and cognitive processing.

Gait Spine Functional Evaluation Protocol

The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and validate of a new protocol for multifactorial functional assessment of the kinematics of spinal and total body movements during walking by means of the optoelectronic motion analysis system in healthy and scoliosis subjects. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is feasibility developing a protocol to assess the spine kinematic during walking? * Is the intra and inter operator reliability of the developed protocol acceptable? * Is the usability of the developed protocol acceptable? During data acquisition a trained therapist placed reflective markers on the skin of the participants in the selected body landmarks. The participants will be asked to perform five trial of walking barefoot on a 6 meters distance at a self-selected normal-pace speed, for each session.