Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting approximately 795,000 people annually. The Veteran's Health Administration provides over 60,000 outpatient visits for stroke-related care annually at a cost of over $250 million. Among ambulatory people with chronic stroke (PwCS), impaired balance is a common health concern that substantially limits mobility (those with the worst balance walk the least). This project will explore adaptive strategies employed by PwCS in balance challenging environments and if a novel gait training intervention using a robotic device to amplify a person's self-generated movements can improve walking balance. The development of effective interventions to increase walking balance among PwCS will positively impact Veterans' health, quality of life, and ability to participate in walking activities.
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Lateral center of mass (COM) excursion during walking
Timeframe: Arm 1 only: On Day 1 of the study, participants will perform three 5-minute treadmill walking trials. We will measure Lateral COM excursion every gait cycle during each trial.
Minimum lateral margin of stability
Timeframe: Arm 1 only: On Day 1 of the study, participants will perform three 5-minute treadmill walking trials. We will measure minimum lateral margin of stability every gait cycle during each trial.
Heart Rate
Timeframe: Arm 2 only: On Day 1, participants will perform 45 minutes of treadmill walking. Seven days later, participants will perform another 45 minutes of continuous treadmill walking. We will measure average HR during every 3-minutes of treadmill walking.
Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Timeframe: Arm 2 only: On Day 1, participants will perform 45 minutes of treadmill walking. Seven days later, participants will perform another 45 minutes of continuous treadmill walking. We will measure average RPE during every 3-minutes of treadmill walking
Treadmill walking speed
Timeframe: Arm 2 only: On Day 1, participants will perform 45 minutes of treadmill walking. Seven days later, participants will perform another 45 minutes of continuous treadmill walking. We will measure average speed during every 3-minutes of treadmill walking
Number of Steps
Timeframe: Arm 2 only: On Day 1, participants will perform 45 minutes of treadmill walking. Seven days later, participants will perform another 45 minutes of continuous treadmill walking. We will measure the total number of steps during each day.