Cognition and Motor Learning Post-stroke

Early Phase 1

Recruiting

• Conditions: Stroke; CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)
• Interventions: Behavioral: Explicit motor learning; Behavioral: Implicit motor learning

• Registration Number: NCT04829071
• Lead Sponsor: University of Southern California

Brief Summary

This project seeks to determine how post-stroke cognitive impairment moderates motor learning during walking in older adults with chronic stroke and identify brain structural markers that mediate this relationship. The chosen experimental design integrates biomechanical analyses, neuropsychological assessments, and brain imaging techniques to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment severity on two forms of motor learning (explicit and implicit) and examine the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the relationship between cognition and explicit motor learning. Ultimately, this work may lead to the development of a more comprehensive, effective treatment approach to improve walking dysfunction in older adults post-stroke.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2021-03-30
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-03-30
• Study First Posted: 2021-04-02
• Study Start: 2023-01-16
• Status Verified: 2023-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2023-07-08
• Last Update Posted: 2023-07-11
• Primary Completion: 2025-08-14
• Study Completion: 2025-08-14

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 65

Inclusion Criteria

• Unilateral stroke
• Stroke occurred more than 6 months prior
• Paresis confined to one side
• Independently ambulatory (including the use of assistive devices)
• Able to walk for 5 minutes without stopping
• Answers no to all general health questions on the PAR-Q+
• Willingness to complete study procedures

Exclusion Criteria

• Brainstem or cerebellar stroke
• Aphasia (expressive, receptive, or global)
• Any major musculoskeletal or non-stroke neurological condition that interferes with the assessment of sensorimotor or cognitive function
• Metal in the head (except in the mouth), implanted cranial or thoracic devices that violate MRI safety regulations
• Uncontrolled hypertension (>160/110mmHg)
• Concurrent physical therapy
• Claustrophobia
• Significant cognitive deficit or dementia (<20 on MoCA)
• Inability to give informed consent

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Evaluating motor learning and brain structures post-stroke	Implicit motor learning	We will use a single arm design to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment on two forms of motor learning (implicit and explicit) and evaluate the structural integrity of relevant brain structures in 65 individuals post stroke
Evaluating motor learning and brain structures post-stroke	Explicit motor learning	We will use a single arm design to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment on two forms of motor learning (implicit and explicit) and evaluate the structural integrity of relevant brain structures in 65 individuals post stroke

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
step length asymmetry - change in performance	Measured at three timepoints of interest within each testing session: baseline and at the beginning and end of the interventions; participants will complete 2 testing sessions over approximately 1 months	characterized as a comparison between the right and left step lengths; captured to quantify change in performance with biofeedback or split belt walking

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
step length asymmetry - immediate retention	Measured after motor learning in each testing session; participants will complete 2 testing sessions over approximately 1 months	characterized as a comparison between the right and left step lengths; captured to quantify the retention of a newly learned walking pattern

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Center for Health Professions; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States