Cognition and Motor Learning Post-stroke

Description

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.

Conditions

Stroke, CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

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.

Cognition as a Moderator of Motor Learning Post-stroke

Cognition and Motor Learning Post-stroke

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Los Angeles

Center for Health Professions, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90033

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

  • * 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
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

45 Years to 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Southern California,

Kristan Leech, PT, DPT, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Southern California

Study Record Dates

2025-08-14