Locomotor Function Following Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation in Individuals With Hemiplegic Stroke

This study is looking at how well non-invasive spinal stimulation, called transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation, helps people with hemiplegia (weakness on one side of the body) after a stroke. It compares this stimulation combined with gait (walking) training to gait training alone. The study aims to see if this stimulation can improve walking symmetry and overall walking ability. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older, had a stroke at least 6 months ago that caused weakness on one side, and need some help with balance or coordination while walking. The main goal is to measure changes in how symmetrical your walking is.

Study design: This study involves 115 participants and has two parts: one is a crossover design where participants receive different treatments at different times, and the other is a randomized controlled trial where participants are assigned to a treatment group by chance.
What's involved: Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Some participants will be followed for 3 months after their intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Locomotor Function Following Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation in Individuals With Hemiplegic Stroke

Recruiting

NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

~115 participants

Updated 2026-03-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Noninvasive spinal stimulation with gait trainingConventional gait trainingExploratory Phase - Optimization of Gait Training and Spinal Stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Change in Gait Symmetry

Measured over Aim 1: Baseline pre-intervention immediately post intervention for interventions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Aim 2: Baseline pre-intervention, 4 weeks into the intervention, immediately post intervention and 3 months post intervention for intervention 1 and 2.

Conditions

Stroke

NCT05167786

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinoisstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

Arun Jayaraman, PT, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Who to contact

Kelly McKenzie, DPT

[email protected]

312-238-7111

Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years or older

Able and willing to give written consent and comply with study procedures

At least 6 months' post-stroke

Hemiplegia secondary to a single stroke

Functional Ambulation Category of 2 or greater - i.e., subject needs continuous or intermittent support of one person to help with balance and coordination.

Not currently receiving regular physical therapy services

Physician approval to participate

Exclusion

Ataxia

Multiple stroke history

Botox injection in lower extremity within the last 4 months

Modified Ashworth score of 3 or greater in lower extremity

Pregnant or nursing

Using a powered, implanted cardiac device for monitoring or support of heart function (i.e. pacemaker, defibrillator, or LVAD) or anti-spasticity implantable pumps

Active pressure sores

Unhealed bone fractures

Peripheral neuropathies

Painful musculoskeletal dysfunction due to active injuries or infections

Severe contractures in the lower extremities

Medical illness limiting the ability to walk

Active urinary tract infection

Clinically significant depression, psychiatric disorders, or ongoing drug abuse

Active cancer or cancer in remission less than 5 years

Orthopedic dysfunction, injury, or surgery that would impact an individual's ability to use the lower extremity.

Traumatic brain injury or other neurological conditions that would impact the study.

Medicated with agents known to increase (e.g., amphetamines) or decrease motor system excitability (e.g., lorazepam)

Implanted cardiac pacemaker

Metal implants in the head or face

Suffers unexplained, recurring headaches

Had a seizure in the past unrelated to the stroke event, or has epilepsy

Skull abnormalities or fractures

A concussion within the last 6 months

Unstable cardiorespiratory or metabolic diseases (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, or chronic emphysema)

What this trial measures

Change in Gait SymmetryAim 1: Baseline pre-intervention immediately post intervention for interventions 1, 2, 3 and 4. Aim 2: Baseline pre-intervention, 4 weeks into the intervention, immediately post intervention and 3 months post intervention for intervention 1 and 2.
Participants will ambulate along Gait Rite electronic walkway 3 times per gait speed to evaluate gait pattern at both their self-selected and safe fast gait speed. The GAITRite electronic walkway contains sensor pads encapsulated in a carpet and connected to a computer. The system can be laid over any flat surface and automates measuring temporal and spatial gait parameters. The GAITRite electronic walkway for the study shall be a minimum of 14 feet long. The GAITRite data capture was chosen as measurement of the patient's overall gait quality.

Trialytics