Backward Walking Observation Training in People With Stroke and Gait Quality in Stroke

NCT06850662 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: NYCU113210AF2
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Walking impairment is one of the most common and concerning issues for individuals with stroke. Previous studies have often used improvements in walking speed and distance as reference indicators for gait performance progress in individuals with stroke. However, for people with chronic stroke, it may be more appropriate to prioritize improving gait symmetry and gait variability to enhance gait quality as a primary intervention goal. Additionally, stroke can lead to an imbalance in interhemispheric brain activity, which evolves as motor function recovers. According to the literature review, backward walking may extend the support time of the lower limbs, thereby enhancing the weight-bearing capacity of the affected limb. This, in turn, could promote gait symmetry and reduce gait variability. Changes in brain activity might also accompany such improvements in gait quality. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate, short-term and post carryover intervention effects of backward walking observation training on gait quality in individuals with chronic stroke as well as to explore its effects on interhemispheric activity balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

Conditions

Stroke

Keywords

Backward walking; Action observation training; Gait symmetry; Gait variability; Brain activity; Stroke

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Brain activity

  Using functional near infrared spectroscopy to measure the oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) in the bilateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area and primary motor cortex.

  Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

• Gait symmetry

  Using GAITRite system to measure the symmetry of spatiotemporal parameters

  Baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

• Gait varability

  Using GAITRite system to measure the coefficient of variation of spatiotemporal parameters

  Baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Gait performance

  Baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

• Time Up & Go test

  Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

• Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale

  Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

• Taiwan Chinese version Falls Efficacy Scale

  Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Study Arms (2)

Backward walking observation training group

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention is a 50-minute session and 3 sessions/week, totaling 4 weeks.

Other: Backward walking observation training

Non-motor observational backward walking training group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The intervention is a 50-minute session and 3 sessions/week, totaling 4 weeks.

Other: Non-motor observational backward walking training

Interventions

Backward walking observation training OTHER

Backward treadmill training after watching a video of backward walking.

Backward walking observation training group

Non-motor observational backward walking training OTHER

Backward treadmill training after watching a video of landscape without any movements.

Non-motor observational backward walking training group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• ≥ 6 months after the diagnosis of stroke
• Independent walking over at least 7m with or without a walking aid
• Mini-mental state examination score ≥ 24

You may not qualify if:

• Had difficulty in backward walking
• Any neuromuscular disorders history
• With visual or auditory disorders
• Unstable cardiac status or uncontrolled hypertension
• Any musculoskeletal disorders that would affect walking ability

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Taipei, 112, Taiwan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Yea-Ru Yang, PhD

CONTACT

+886228267279; yryang@nycu.edu.tw

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 17, 2025
• First Posted: February 27, 2025
• Study Start: April 24, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 1, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2028
• Last Updated: June 12, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Locations

TW (1)