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Effect of NMES on Balance and Fall Risk in Chronic Stroke

Description

The aim of this study is to describe the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the form of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to different lower limb muscles on reactive balance and gait performance in stroke participants. Methods: Twenty individuals with chronic stroke will be asked to perform an experimental protocol that includes a postural disturbance in the form of a slip- or trip-like perturbation and a standardized walking test in both laboratory and outdoor environments with and without FES applied to different lower limb muscles of the paretic leg. FES will be applied using an advanced software that is able to synchronize muscle activation with the time of perturbation onset and according to the phases of gait. This project design aims to examine whether a specific pattern of lower limb muscle stimulation could improve the kinematic and behavioral responses during reactive balance following slip- and trip-like perturbations. Additionally, the project aims to see if the kinematic and spatio-temporal gait parameters can be modified during a standardized walking test under different sensory and environmental conditions.

Conditions

Chronic Stroke
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Related Conditions:

Chronic Stroke

Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The aim of this study is to describe the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the form of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to different lower limb muscles on reactive balance and gait performance in stroke participants. Methods: Twenty individuals with chronic stroke will be asked to perform an experimental protocol that includes a postural disturbance in the form of a slip- or trip-like perturbation and a standardized walking test in both laboratory and outdoor environments with and without FES applied to different lower limb muscles of the paretic leg. FES will be applied using an advanced software that is able to synchronize muscle activation with the time of perturbation onset and according to the phases of gait. This project design aims to examine whether a specific pattern of lower limb muscle stimulation could improve the kinematic and behavioral responses during reactive balance following slip- and trip-like perturbations. Additionally, the project aims to see if the kinematic and spatio-temporal gait parameters can be modified during a standardized walking test under different sensory and environmental conditions.

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on Reactive Balance, Gait and Fall-risk in Individuals with Stroke

Effect of NMES on Balance and Fall Risk in Chronic Stroke

Condition
Chronic Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60612

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Presence of hemiparesis.
  • 2. Onset of stroke (\> 6 months).
  • 3. Ability to walk independently with or without an assistive device for at least 300 ft.
  • 4. Can understand and communicate in English.
  • 5. Cognitively and behaviorally capable of complying with the regimen (Montreal Cognitive Assessment \> 25/30).
  • 1. Body weight more than 250 lbs.
  • 2. Any neurological condition other than stroke.
  • 3. Any cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, or systemic diagnosis.
  • 4. Recent major surgery (\< 6 months) or hospitalization (\< 3 months).
  • 5. Deep venous thrombosis.
  • 6. Antecedent of cancer.
  • 7. Peripheral nerve injury or neuropathy in the affected limb with motor disability.
  • 8. Spasticity (Ashworth scale \> 2).
  • 9. Uncontrolled high blood pressure/angina.
  • 10. Skin condition not tolerant with FES therapy.
  • 11. Uncontrolled seizure disorder.
  • 12. Botox treatment within the last 5 months.
  • 13. History of epilepsy.
  • 14. Pacemaker users.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Illinois at Chicago,

Tanvi Bhatt, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Illinois at Chicago

Study Record Dates

2025-11-30