Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Neural Correlates (EEG and fMRI) of Gait in Small Vessel Disease

Egypt40 participantsStarted 2026-03-01

Plain-language summary

What is the purpose of this study? This observational study is being done to understand how cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) affects walking and balance. SVD is a common brain condition in older adults that damages small blood vessels. It can lead to problems with movement, thinking, and memory. The researchers want to find out how changes in brain activity and connectivity contribute to walking difficulties in people with SVD. Why is this study important? Walking and balance problems increase the risk of falls and loss of independence. By studying brain activity during walking-related tasks, researchers hope to identify patterns that explain why these problems happen. This knowledge could help develop better rehabilitation methods in the future. Who can participate? Adults over 50 years old with cerebral small vessel disease and gradual gait problems may be eligible. Healthy adults of similar age without neurological problems may also take part as control participants. What will happen in this study? Participants will: Complete walking, balance, and cognitive tests such as the Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Undergo brain imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and study brain structure and function. Have an EEG recording while resting and while watching short videos showing walking and turning movements. A smaller group will also undergo functional MRI (fMRI) while watching the same videos. The MRI and EEG results will be analyzed to see how brain networks involved in movement and balance differ between patients and healthy adults. How long will the study take? The study will take about two years to complete. Each participant's visit will last approximately two to three hours in total. What are the possible benefits? There may be no direct benefit to participants. However, this study may help researchers understand how small vessel disease affects brain function related to walking, which may improve care for future patients.

Who can participate

Age range

50 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: * Age 50 years or older. * Clinical and radiological diagnosis of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), confirmed by MRI findings such as white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, or microbleeds. * Fazekas score 2 or 3 on MRI. * Presence of slowly progressive gait disturbance (e.g., slowness, imbalance, freezing) rather than acute stroke presentation. * Ability to give informed consent and cooperate with testing procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of other neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease). * History of large vessel stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage. * Contraindications to MRI (e.g., pacemaker, metallic implants, severe claustrophobia). * Severe cognitive impairment that prevents participation (MoCA \<10). * Musculoskeletal or orthopedic causes of gait disturbance not related to neurological dysfunction.

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

Functional brain connectivity differences between SVD patients and healthy controls

Timeframe: At baseline (single assessment visit)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07372937

SponsorAin Shams University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-11-01

Contact for this trial

Hadeer Samir, Msc Neurology

+201011035548 Hadeer.samir@med.asu.edu.eg

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cerebral Small Vessel Disease trials