Active clinical trials for "Stroke"

Post-stroke spasticity in the lower extremity affects balance and gait, leading to decreased mobility and functional independence. Therefore, effective intervention for reducing spasticity is crucial in stroke rehabilitation. Recently, neurodynamics, though originally designed for pain management in orthopedic patients, has also been applied for treating spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. However, previous studies focused mainly on treating the upper extremity spasticity, but not on lower extremity spasticity, and not on possible neurophysiological changes. The present study aims to investigate the immediate effects of neurodynamics in reducing lower limb spasticity and neurophysiological changes in people with chronic stroke.

The study team is recruiting 20 adults with spasticity due to chronic stroke for a 7 day study over 2 weeks. In people with chronic stroke, one of the most common and disabling problems is spasticity (increased muscle tone or muscle stiffness). The purpose of this research study is to examine effects of dry needling on the nervous system (pathways between the muscle, spinal cord, and brain) in people with spasticity due to chronic stroke. Dry needling is a procedure in which a thin, stainless steel needle is inserted into the skin to produce a muscle twitch response. It is intended to release a knot in the muscle and relieve pain. The total study duration is 7 visits over 2 weeks. There will be 4 visits the first week, and 3 visits the second week. The first visit will take about 1.5 hours, during which study staff will determine the best placement of electrodes and create a cast of the participant's leg to aid them in quickly placing the electrodes on the remainder of the visits. The second and fifth visits will last about 3.5 hours, and all other visits will last about 1.5 hours. Dry needling will take place on the fifth visit only. During each visit the participant will be asked to participate in examinations of reflexes (muscle responses to non-invasive nerve stimulation) and leg function.

A randomized positived-controlled study of Diterpene Ginkgolides Meglumine Injection (DGMI) vs Ginaton in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) was conducted between7/2013 and 4/2014. The study was designed to test efficacy of DGMI for IS. Post hoc analysis of this trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of DGMI in elderly (aged≥65 years) IS patients.

The objective of the proposal is to determine the feasibility of implementing Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) methods to enhance adherence for a 4-week self-initiated arm training protocol. A non-randomized feasibility study using a 4-week UE training protocol will be conducted in 15 individuals within the first 12 months post-stroke living in the community. EMA data will be collected using a mobile app to automate real-time collection of adherence data on a daily basis. MI will be used to produce self-generated training plans (training goals, training schedule), guided by the therapist before the start of training.

Due to minimal volitional activation of the impaired arm, these individuals are less able to engage in activities of daily living (ADL's). Moreover, simultaneous use of the hand and arm are needed throughout ADL's. The effects of these two approaches (circuit class training and individual task-specific training) on upper extremity function and activities of daily living (ADL's) have not yet been clearly identified, and studies on its effects on chronic stroke patients are limited.

Postural balance control is based on complex mechanisms involving several sensory and motor systems. Maintaining postural equilibrium requires muscle activation to oppose the balance threats. Stroke may be associated with a variety of deficits, including impaired upper limb functions , poor postural stability, impaired reactive balance control, and delayed responses to external balance perturbations. Individuals with stroke are at high risk for falls in all post-stroke stages. Falls may have long-term serious consequences and can lead to more disability. Upper extremity movements have a relevant contribution in controlling balance and enhance the ankle and hip strategies for maintaining upright postural stability among healthy adults. Upper extremities movements also, constitute important elements in both equilibrium and protective reactions. Appropriate corrective responses of both the upper and lower extremities are essential to regain balance control and reduce the risk of falls. More studies are required to know about the impact of arm movements on postural balance control in individuals post-stroke. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the improvement of the upper extremity functions on postural balance control in patients with stroke.

This is a randomized clinical trial to study the effect of tDCS in participants with subacute ischemic stroke, the study participants will be randomly assigned into three groups; bihemispheric, unihemispheric and sham group.

The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of sonography. To explore that sonography is a clinically practical tool for assessing the changes of oropharyngeal muscles mass. The Comparisons the differences in clinical swallowing function, general muscle mass, and muscle strength/ sonographic findings of oropharyngeal muscles among the stroke patients with dysphagia in different swallowing training programs. To investigate the associations among clinical swallowing function, general muscle mass, muscle strength and sonographic findings of oropharyngeal muscles in stroke patients with dysphagia. The changes of clinical swallowing function, and muscle strength of oropharyngeal muscles in stroke patients with dysphagia after different swallowing training programs. The changes in sonographic findings of oropharyngeal muscles in stroke patients with dysphagia after different swallowing training programs. Effect of different swallowing therapies in clinical swallowing function, general muscle mass, and muscle strength/ sonographic findings of oropharyngeal muscles in stroke patients with dysphagia. The associations between clinical swallowing function, oropharyngeal muscle strength, and sonographic findings of oropharyngeal muscles in stroke patients with dysphagia.

The research will make it possible to assess effects of rehabilitation of arm function with the use of biofeedback method and conventional therapies administered to patients at a chronic stage of recovery post-stroke, as part of the treatment in a health-resort setting.

The main objective of MindFit Project is to develop an evidence-based multimodal investigation of combined non-pharmacological strategies in chronic stroke patients and clarify the neuroplasticity mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical exercise and mindfulness strategies combined with cognitive training on post-stroke recovery. The investigators have adopted a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to provide a more integrative perspective using cognitive, social-psychological, biochemical, and neuroimaging measurements.