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GaitBetter: Motor and Cognitive Training for Gait Rehabilitation and Falls Prevention in Stroke Survivors.

Not Applicable
Conditions
Hemiplegia
Gait, Hemiplegic
Stroke
Interventions
Other: Treadmill gait training with GaitBetter + Standard of care
Device: Treadmill gait training with GaitBetter
Other: Standard of care
Registration Number
NCT04625127
Lead Sponsor
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Brief Summary

In this research study, the investigators aim to test the usability and efficacy of the GaitBetter system for gait rehabilitation after stroke.

Detailed Description

This study consists of 3 distinct aims:

In Aim 1, the investigators will evaluate clinical acceptance of the GaitBetter solution by subjects and therapists. To do so, the investigators will run a pilot study to gather feedback from stakeholders (not reported here).

In Aim 2, the investigators will evaluate the efficacy of using the GaitBetter solution to improve motor-cognitive function of chronic stroke survivors. To do so, the investigators will run a single-arm, non-randomized study to test the hypothesis that the GaitBetter training is effective in improving gait and cognition in individuals with chronic stroke.

In Aim 3, the investigators will explore the efficacy of using the GaitBetter solution for improving rehabilitation outcomes in sub-acute stroke survivors. To do so, the investigators will run a randomized, controlled study to evaluate the effects of using the GaitBetter system in patients with subacute stroke on recovery trajectory.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
76
Inclusion Criteria
  • Male and females of age between 18 to 85 year of age

  • History of one-sided ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke

    • Chronic: more than 6 months post-stroke (Aim 1 and Aim 2)
    • Subacute: within 8 weeks post-stroke (Aim 1 and Aim 3)
  • Residual functional impairment of a lower extremity as a result of the stroke

  • Ability to walk at least 15 meters with or without assistive devices (FIM walk subsection, levels 6 and 7)

  • Ability to walk 3 consecutive minutes (5 minutes for Aim 2) on a treadmill at a speed equal to or greater than 0.22 m/s (0.8 km/h or 0.5 mph) with or without hand support.

  • Medical clearance received from treating physician to participate in the gait training program proposed in the study

Exclusion Criteria
  • Severe aphasia limiting the ability to express needs or discomfort verbally or non-verbally
  • Cognitive impairment limiting the ability to understand and follow instructions (as assessed by a score <23 on the Mini Mental State Examination)
  • Previous diagnosis of neurological diseases other than stroke
  • Recent history of lower extremity fractures (<12 months ago), unhealed wounds
  • Current indication for isolation precautions (e.g. MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, and others)
  • Severe visual impairments (as assessed by the NIH Stroke Scale Visual Field subscale. score >0)
  • Hemispatial neglect (as assessed by the Line Bisection Test)
  • Subjects diagnosed with a medical condition that would interfere with their participation in regular sustained exercise (such as a severe pulmonary and/or cardiovascular condition)
  • For Aim 2: currently participating in a gait training intervention (PT or research)
  • Adults with impaired decision-making capacity
  • Women who are pregnant

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Aim 3: Efficacy of the GaitBetter to improve rehabilitation outcomes in sub-acute stroke survivorsTreadmill gait training with GaitBetter + Standard of careThe investigators propose a randomized, controlled study to evaluate the effects of using the GaitBetter system in patients with subacute stroke on recovery trajectory.
Aim 3: Efficacy of the GaitBetter to improve rehabilitation outcomes in sub-acute stroke survivorsStandard of careThe investigators propose a randomized, controlled study to evaluate the effects of using the GaitBetter system in patients with subacute stroke on recovery trajectory.
Aim 2: Efficacy of the GaitBetter to improve motor-cognitive function of chronic stroke survivorsTreadmill gait training with GaitBetterThe investigators propose a single-arm, non-randomized study to test the hypothesis that the GaitBetter training is effective in improving gait and cognition in individuals with chronic stroke. This design was chosen given the expected stability of functional recovery in this population.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
10 meter walk test (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait speed of chronic stroke survivors, in meters per second

10 meter walk test (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait speed of subacute stroke survivors, in meters per second

Trail making test (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of cognition status, in chronic stroke survivors. The test record the time to accomplish the task (higher values indicate slower performance)

Trail making test (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of cognition status, in subacute stroke survivors. The test record the time to accomplish the task (higher values indicate slower performance)

Balance Evaluation Systems Test (mini-BESTest, in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Comprehensive evaluation of balance and falls risks in chronic stroke survivors. Score from 0 to 108. Higher scores are reflecting better balance

Aim 3: Balance Evaluation Systems Test (mini-BESTest, in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Comprehensive evaluation of balance and falls risks in subacute stroke survivors. Score from 0 to108. Higher scores are reflecting better balance

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Step length (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait step length in chronic stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in meters)

Step length (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait step length in subacute stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in meters)

Step width (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait step width in chronic stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in meters)

Step width (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait step width in subacute stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in meters)

Step symmetry (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait step symmetry in chronic stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (ratio between paretic and non-paretic leg)

Step symmetry (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait step symmetry in subacute stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (ratio between paretic and non-paretic leg)

Stance time (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait stance time in chronic stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in seconds)

Stance time (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait stance time in subacute stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in seconds)

Swing time (in chronic stroke survivors, Aim 2)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait swing time in chronic stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in seconds)

Swing time (in subacute stroke survivors, Aim 3)Change from baseline scores at post-intervention (after 5 weeks)

Evaluation of gait swing time in subacute stroke survivors with an 3D motion capture system (in seconds)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston

🇺🇸

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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