Stroke Clinical Trials

This study aims to determine the inter- and intra-variability of Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound in neuro-critical care patients who are planned for consecutive daily TCD evaluations. Read Less

Strokes often cause a loss of communication ability, referred to as aphasia, as well as cognitive difficulties. Each stroke survivor has a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses in communication and cognition, and a unique course of recovery. The BUILD study aims to understand the brain basis of these individual differences in stroke outcome. Participants with stroke as well as controls matched in age, educational background, race, and sex are examined using a combination of standardized and in-house tests of language and cognition to provide a detailed profile of strengths and weaknesses. Each participant will have between three and six sessions, including an MRI to measure details of the structure, function, and connections in the brain. The data are analyzed to test how patterns in the stroke lesion explain the patterns of communication and cognitive difficulties, and how patterns in the uninjured parts of the brain explain resilience and recovery from the stroke. Ultimately, we hope that BUILD will guide us toward new targets for brain stimulation treatments or other biologically based treatments that improve language and cognitive abilities after stroke. Read Less

People with spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders can follow two pathways for regaining independence and quality of life. One is through clinical interventions, including therapeutic exercises. The other is provided by assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs or robotic systems. In this study, we combine these two paths within a single framework by developing a new generation of body-machine interfaces (BoMI) supporting both assistive and rehabilitative goals. In particular, we focus on the recovery of muscle control by including a combination of motion and muscle activity signals in the operation of the BoMI. Read Less

This is a randomized control trial that will evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous (non-invasive) spinal cord stimulation on gait and balance function for individuals with hemiplegia due to stroke. Read Less

Stroke survivors frequently show persistent gait deficits in their chronic stages even after years of intensive rehabilitation. This may be caused by diminished capability of re-acquiring motor skills post stroke. Thus, the overall purpose of this research project is to examine stroke survivors' capability of learning a novel leg task over 3 visits, 1-2 weeks apart. The capability of learning a new skill is then correlated with the individual's neurological functions (nerve activity and movement coordination) and her/his gait performance (gait speed, gait symmetry, and force production). Read Less

The risk of stroke and vascular dementia is high in individuals who have had a prior stroke or TIA, and in those who have vascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes or pre-diabetes. These vascular risk factors can improve with exercise. This study will examine the impact of a 6 month, low intensity group exercise class on fitness, walking, balance, and brain health. This study will also collect fitness, walking, balance, and brain health outcome measures at baseline and post all other MERCE exercise and robotics interventions. Read Less