Active clinical trials for "Stroke"

This study examined the feasibility of using implicit and explicit learning approaches during gait rehabilitation in the early phase following stroke. It was a double blind trial (participants and assessors) using a matched pairs design. Participants were recruited from an acute stroke unit, and were randomised to receive gait rehabilitation over three consecutive days using either an implicit or explicit approach. Guidelines for each were developed empirically, including differences in the amount, timing, and attentional focus of therapists' verbal communication. Sessions were recorded and their content analysed to establish concordance with the guidance. Clinical measures were taken at baseline and 24 hours post intervention using the Berg Balance Scale and the Step Test. Therapists were able to adhere to the guidance. Both approaches were found to be acceptable to both patients and therapists. The findings will be used to design an appropriately powered RCT.

Controlled study of stereotactic, intracranial injection of SB623 cells in patients with fixed motor deficits from ischemic stroke

Patients were randomized in 3 groups: two intervent groups and a control group. The first group received two weeks of daily session of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS, 10 sessions) and, at least 6 months after, two weeks of daily transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS, 10 sessions); the second group received 10 daily session of tDCS and, after at least 6 months, 10 sessions of rTMS; the control group received 10 daily session of sham tDCS. Physiatric evaluations (ARAT scale), neuropsychological assessment and ERP (P300) were performed before (1 week) and after (1 week) the end of each treatment. Furthermore, all patients underwent follow-up neuropsychological assessment 6 months after the end of each stimulation period and follow-up physiatric evaluation at 3 and 6 months after the end of each stimulation period.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether pomegranate supplements improve cognitive functioning following stroke.

Stroke patients frequently necessitate walking aids such as 4-point canne. However, the 4-point canne has to be lifted by the patient which limited gait speed. The adjunction of small wheel below the 4 point of the canne (4-roll) gives the possibility to the patient to walk without having to lift the canne as it will roll over the ground. The aim of our study is to compare gait parameters (gait speed and energy cost) with a classical 4-point canne and with 4-roll canne.

Stroke often results in limitation of arm movements, from which many people do not fully recover. We believe that early and intensive therapy is important to enhance recovery of arm movements after stroke. We are doing this research study to see how much arm movements improve with intensive therapy in patients have had a stroke in the past 6 weeks.

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a functioning and clinically feasible method for restoring function to motor-impaired stroke survivors. This ultimate goal will be approached through two different means. The first method is to develop a functioning brain-computer interface that operates based on cortical activity ipsilateral to an intended movement on the motor-impaired side of the body. And secondly, to develop new methods of rehabilitation that involve stimulating peripheral muscles based upon cortical activity ipsilateral to intended movements. Finally, the study seeks to assess changes in functional connectivity as a result of using a BCI device.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether electrical pharyngeal stimulation in addition to standard care can enhance short-term swallow recovery in tracheostomized dysphagic stroke patients and thereby facilitate earlier decannulation compared to sham treatment plus standard care.

The primary hypothesis tested in this randomized control trial is that a tele-rehabilitation intervention involving video-conferencing with a therapist and use of wearable monitoring devices in the first three months after stroke results greater functional recovery using the Jette Late Life Functional and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) (primary outcome) among stroke at three months survivors compared to usual care. The secondary hypotheses tested in this randomized control trial are that a tele-rehabilitation intervention involving video-conferencing with a therapist and use of wearable monitoring devices in the first three months after stroke results in: Functional recovery using the LLFDI at 6 months, Functional recovery using gait speed, 2-minute walk test and Shah modified Barthel Index at 3 and 6 months, Greater contact time with a therapist at 3 & 6 months, Better balance at 3 & 6 months, Better self-report health-related quality of life at 3 & 6 months, Decreased health service utilization at 3 & 6 months, Reduced caregiver burden at three months survivors compared to usual care at 3 & 6 months.

Spatial neglect represents one of the major cognitive disorders following stroke. Patients patients fail to be aware of objects or people to their left and orientate instead to their right side. Enduring neglect has been found to be a poor prognostic indicator for functional independence following stroke. Despite some promising experimental accounts there are no established treatments for this condition. The aim of this study is to test whether a combined treatment with hemifield eye patching (HEP) and optokinetic stimulation (OKS) can permanently reduce neglect behaviour and improve functional outcome in patients with hemispatial neglect following stroke. The investigators hypothesise that the treatment with HEP and OKS will lead to a greater reduction of neglect scoring in the neglect test battery as well as a greater improvement in functional independence scores as compared to the spontaneous clinical course of the usual-care control group.