Neural Correlates (EEG and fMRI) of Gait in Small Vessel Disease

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Conditions studied: Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

In brief

What is the purpose of this study? This observational study is being done to understand how cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) affects walking and balance. SVD is a common brain condition in older adults that damages small blood vessels. It can lead to problems with movement, thinking, and memory. The researchers want to find out how changes in brain activity and connectivity contribute to walking difficulties in people with SVD. Why is this study important? Walking and balance problems increase the risk of falls and loss of independence. By studying brain activity during walking-related tasks, researchers hope to identify patterns that explain why these problems happen. This knowledge could help develop better rehabilitation methods in the future. Who can participate? Adults over 50 years old with cerebral small vessel disease and gradual gait problems may be eligible. Healthy adults of similar age without neurological problems may also take part as control participants. What will happen in this study? Participants will: Complete walking, balance, and cognitive tests such as the Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Undergo brain imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and study brain structure and function. Have an EEG recording while resting and while watching short videos showing walking and turning movements. A smaller group will also undergo functional MRI (fMRI) while watching the same videos. The MRI and EEG results will be analyzed to see how brain networks involved in movement and balance differ between patients and healthy adults. How long will the study take? The study will take about two years to complete. Each participant's visit will last approximately two to three hours in total. What are the possible benefits? There may be no direct benefit to participants. However, this study may help researchers understand how small vessel disease affects brain function related to walking, which may improve care for future patients.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07372937

Run by

Ain Shams University

People needed

40

Starts

2026-03-01

Expected to finish

2027-03-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-02-03

Who can join

Age: 50 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 50 years or older.
• Clinical and radiological diagnosis of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), confirmed by MRI findings such as white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, or microbleeds.
• Fazekas score 2 or 3 on MRI.
• Presence of slowly progressive gait disturbance (e.g., slowness, imbalance, freezing) rather than acute stroke presentation.
• Ability to give informed consent and cooperate with testing procedures.

You may not qualify if…

• Presence of other neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease).
• History of large vessel stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage.
• Contraindications to MRI (e.g., pacemaker, metallic implants, severe claustrophobia).
• Severe cognitive impairment that prevents participation (MoCA <10).
• Musculoskeletal or orthopedic causes of gait disturbance not related to neurological dysfunction.

Where it is running

• Ain Shams University Hospitals — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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