Plantarflexor PAS - Stroke

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Stroke, Hemiparesis, Gait Dysfunction

In brief

The current project investigates a method called paired associative stimulation (PAS) which is known to influence nervous system function through a process called neuroplasticity. Here the investigators will target function of the ankle plantarflexor muscles because they are critically important to walking. The investigators will study adults who have walking dysfunction resulting from stroke. The study will test three ways of delivering PAS targeted towards brain-muscle connections serving the ankle plantarflexors. The overall goal is to improve functioning of the plantarflexors. The investigators believe that improving plantarflexor function will increase the likelihood of positive effects from gait retraining programs for people post-stroke. Participants will experience all three PAS methods in separate sessions. The investigators will compare differences in the size of these effects to identify the optimal method for delivery of PAS to the ankle plantarflexors. This study is a preliminary step to help us design a better clinical trial of combined PAS and gait retraining.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT04515407

Run by

VA Office of Research and Development

People needed

10

Starts

2021-10-01

Expected to finish

2023-09-30

Last updated by the study team

2024-02-22

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• hemiparesis resulting from stroke
• single, unilateral, hemispheric stroke (cortical or sub-cortical areas)
• stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT or MRI)
• stroke 3 months prior to enrollment
• ability to walk, independently at least 25' on level ground, even if requiring brace or assistive device (cane)
• Veteran Status prioritized

You may not qualify if…

• lower extremity pain affecting ability to bear weight on legs
• contractures limiting normal range of motion in major lower extremity joints
• other neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS), prior traumatic brain injury, severe osteoarthritis or prior pathological fracture
• cardiovascular conditions contraindicative to walking or light exercise
• severe hypertension (i.e., >200/110 at rest that cannot be controlled in resting range of 180/110 mmHg)
• perceptual or cognitive deficits affecting ability to: comprehend, follow three step directions, or provide consent

Where it is running

• Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center, Martinez, CA — Martinez, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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