Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Innovative Closed-loop Functional Electrical Stimulation Control System for Augmenting Post-stroke Gait

United States20 participantsStarted 2026-06-01

Plain-language summary

This study will compare the performance of a novel data-driven model-predictive controller (MPC) based functional electrical stimulation (FES) system versus a conventional FES system for footdrop correction during treadmill and overground walking tasks in people post-stroke.

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 90 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * \>6 months since stroke * cortical or subcortical stroke * able to walk 10-meters with or without an assistive device * sufficient cardiovascular health and ankle stability to walk on treadmill without ankle orthosis * passive ankle range of motion to benefit from dorsiflexor FES assistance * resting heart rate 40-100 bpm Exclusion Criteria: * cerebellar signs * score \>1 on question 1b (does not know the current month and age) and \>0 on question 1c (can not blink eyes and squeeze hands) on NIH Stroke Scale * inability to communicate with investigators * neglect/hemianopia * unexplained dizziness in past 6 months * sensory loss in paretic leg * musculoskeletal or medical conditions limiting walking * neurologic diagnoses other than stroke

Questions worth asking your doctor

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

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.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Number of Adverse Events

Timeframe: Day 1

Count of Risks

Timeframe: Day 1

Participant Perception of Comfort

Timeframe: Day 1

Participant Perception of Acceptability

Timeframe: Day 1

Percent of Gait Cycles with Footdrop Correction

Timeframe: Day 1

Number of Participants Completing Gait Bouts

Timeframe: Day 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07189819

SponsorEmory University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-01

Contact for this trial

Trisha Kesar, PT, PhD

(404) 712-5803 trisha.m.kesar@emory.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Post-stroke Hemiparesis trials

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 90 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.

What they're measuring

Number of Adverse Events

Timeframe: Day 1

Count of Risks

Timeframe: Day 1

Participant Perception of Comfort

Timeframe: Day 1

Participant Perception of Acceptability

Timeframe: Day 1

Percent of Gait Cycles with Footdrop Correction

Timeframe: Day 1

Number of Participants Completing Gait Bouts

Timeframe: Day 1