Active clinical trials for "Paresis"

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is currently considered a beneficial method for patients with neurological problems due to the modulation of cortex activity as well as the enhancement and prolongation of functional gains achieved during physical therapy. Purpose: The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the immediate effects of a session of tDCS over the primary motor cortex combined with functional electrical simulation (FES) on electrical activity of the tibialis anterior muscle, balance and distribution of plantar pressure in individuals with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke. A further aim is to determine whether the effects of the combination of both stimulation methods are better than those achieved when each method is employed alone. Methods/design: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, cross-sectional study will be conducted involving 30 stroke survivors with hemiparesis who meet the eligibility criteria. Evaluations will involve an identification and screening chart, the classification of motor impairment using the Fugl-Meyer Scale, the determination of spasticity of the triceps surae muscle (modified Ashworth scale), electromyography of the tibialis anterior muscle, static balance and cognitive dual-task balance (stabilometry) and plantar pressure. After the initial evaluations, the participants will undergo four interventions: 1) anodal tDCS + placebo FES + active tibialis anterior contraction; 2) placebo tDCS + active FES + active tibialis anterior contraction; 3) anodal tDCS + active FES + active tibialis anterior contraction; and 4) placebo tDCS + placebo FES placebo + active tibialis anterior contraction. tDCS will be administered over the primary motor cortex and FES will be administered over the tibialis anterior muscle. The order of the different protocols will be randomized and both the evaluator and patients will be blinded to which protocol is being administered.

This study is designed to determine if adding daily weighted braces on the unaffected ankle may benefit to patient who have returned home compare to a placebo intervention (ankle brace without weight).

The purpose of this study is: To augment the MAHI Exo-II, a physical human exoskeleton, with a non-invasive brain machine interface (BMI) to actively include patient in the control loop and thereby making the therapy 'active'. To determine appropriate robotic (kinematic data acquired through sensors on robotic device ) and electrophysiological ( electroencephalography- EEG based) measures of arm motor impairment and recovery after stroke. To demonstrate that the BMI controlled MAHI Exo-II robotic arm training is feasible and effective in improving arm motor functions in sub-acute and chronic stroke population.

Armodafinil is an FDA approved medication with wakefulness-promoting properties. It is a relatively safe agent with interesting neurochemical effects on the catecholamine system, producing an improvement in cognitive function, particularly working memory in humans. When combined with intensive task-related training, armodafinil may accelerate motor recovery in chronic stroke patients. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether administration of armodafinil during subacute post-stroke rehabilitation will augment cortical plasticity and enhance motor recovery. The primary hypothesis suggests that cortical plasticity will be enhanced by armodafinil and, therefore, will induce an improvement in motor function and better performances on measures of motor control.

The primary objective of this proposal is to investigate the safety of use of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)in children with hemiparesis. The research question, "Is transcranial Direct Current Stimulation safe for use in children with congenital hemiparesis?" relates to two hypotheses: tDCS will not produce a major adverse event, including seizure activity. No change in paretic or nonparetic hand function or cognitive status will occur.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, producing motor impairments that compromise performance of valued activities. Hemiparesis (or weakness in one arm) is particularly disabling, is the primary impairment underlying stroke-related disability, and the most frequent impairment treated by therapists in the United States. This study will test efficacy of a promising technique in reducing arm disability and increasing function, thereby improving outcomes and health, reducing care costs, for community dwelling patients with stroke-induced hemiparesis.

This is a single-center, randomized, single-blind (evaluator) study. Enrolled patients had a traumatic meniscal tear and underwent meniscectomy. The study included 6 weeks (12 visits) of standard or quadriceps intensive rehabilitation. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of quadriceps intensive rehabilitation on knee function and articular cartilage.

This study examines the effect of non-invasive brain stimulation targeting different brain areas on movement of the affected arm post-stroke. Participants will receive stimulation to each of 3 different brain areas combined with a session of arm exercise.

Pilot study to assess the feasibility and initial efficacy of therapist-as-consultant, game-based CI therapy. Pre/post study design. Participant received a target of 30 hours game-based motor intervention, 100 hours constraint of the less affected upper extremity, and 5 hours therapist consultation (including completion of a behavioral contract at the first study visit). Duration of intervention was 10 consecutive weekdays, with pre-treatment and post-treatment testing performed within 1 week prior to and 1 week post-intervention by an independent tester.

The investigators know that peripheral muscle weakness and exercise intolerance are prevalent (56%) in cystic fibrosis (Trooster et al, 2009). Physical inactivity is likely to be an important underlying factor. Those conditions are associated with a poor prognosis (Nixon et al, 1992). The effect of intravenous antibiotherapy on peripheral muscle and physical activity remains unclear. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of intravenous antibiotherapy on peripheral muscular strength in patients with cystic fibrosis (adults and children) who receive intravenous antibiotherapy for an acute exacerbation or electively (decline in lung function without exacerbation).