Reflex Excitability in Post-stroke Stiff-Knee Gait

Description

The purpose of this study is to examine the reflex excitability of the rectus femoris in individuals with and without post-stroke Stiff-Knee gait. We use electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerve innervating the rectus femoris for a well-controlled reflex stimulus. We are investigating whether reflex excitability of the rectus femoris correlates with gait kinematics.

Conditions

Stroke, Chronic Stroke, Gait, Hemiplegic, Gait, Spastic, Gait Disorder, Sensorimotor, Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Walking, Difficulty

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to examine the reflex excitability of the rectus femoris in individuals with and without post-stroke Stiff-Knee gait. We use electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerve innervating the rectus femoris for a well-controlled reflex stimulus. We are investigating whether reflex excitability of the rectus femoris correlates with gait kinematics.

Characterization of Abnormal Reflex Couplings Via H-reflex Stimulation

Reflex Excitability in Post-stroke Stiff-Knee Gait

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Cleveland

MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, United States, 44109

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

  • * Aged at least 18
  • * Premorbidly independent
  • * If post-stroke, mild to moderate impairment determined by standard practices per the physical therapist
  • * Able to continuously walk for 30 minutes
  • * If post-stroke, reduced knee flexion during walking relative to unimpaired side
  • * If post-stroke, hemiparesis
  • * Ability to provide informed consent
  • * No history of serious lower limb musculoskeletal injury
  • * No functionally relevant osteoarthritis and weight-bearing restrictions
  • * No functionally relevant polyneuropathy
  • * No functionally relevant cognitive impairment
  • * No functionally relevant vision impairment

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

MetroHealth Medical Center,

James S Sulzer, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Case Western Reserve University

Study Record Dates

2026-06-11