Cognition and Motor Learning Post-stroke

Purpose

This project seeks to determine how post-stroke cognitive impairment moderates motor learning during walking in older adults with chronic stroke and identify brain structural markers that mediate this relationship. The chosen experimental design integrates biomechanical analyses, neuropsychological assessments, and brain imaging techniques to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment severity on two forms of motor learning (explicit and implicit) and examine the role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the relationship between cognition and explicit motor learning. Ultimately, this work may lead to the development of a more comprehensive, effective treatment approach to improve walking dysfunction in older adults post-stroke.

Conditions

  • Stroke
  • CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 45 Years and 85 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Unilateral stroke - Stroke occurred more than 6 months prior - Paresis confined to one side - Independently ambulatory (including the use of assistive devices) - Able to walk for 5 minutes without stopping - Answers no to all general health questions on the PAR-Q+ - Willingness to complete study procedures

Exclusion Criteria

  • Brainstem or cerebellar stroke - Aphasia (expressive, receptive, or global) - Any major musculoskeletal or non-stroke neurological condition that interferes with the assessment of sensorimotor or cognitive function - Metal in the head (except in the mouth), implanted cranial or thoracic devices that violate MRI safety regulations - Uncontrolled hypertension (>160/110mmHg) - Concurrent physical therapy - Claustrophobia - Significant cognitive deficit or dementia (<20 on MoCA) - Inability to give informed consent

Study Design

Phase
Early Phase 1
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Basic Science
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Evaluating motor learning and brain structures post-stroke
We will use a single arm design to determine the impact of post-stroke cognitive impairment on two forms of motor learning (implicit and explicit) and evaluate the structural integrity of relevant brain structures in 65 individuals post stroke
  • Behavioral: Explicit motor learning
    Participants will be provided with visual feedback of their right and left step lengths on a screen in front of a treadmill.
  • Behavioral: Implicit motor learning
    Participants will walk on a treadmill that drives their right and left legs to move at two different speeds.

Recruiting Locations

Center for Health Professions
Los Angeles 5368361, California 5332921 90033
Contact:
Kristan Leech, PT, DPT, PhD
3124421583

More Details

NCT ID
NCT04829071
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Southern California

Study Contact

Kristan Leech, PT, DPT, PhD
(323) 442-1583
kleech@pt.usc.edu