Effect of Upper Extremity Support on Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait in Individuals With Stroke

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

C-Mill VR+ (Force-plate integrated treadmill): Description: A treadmill system equipped with integrated force plates and augmented reality (VR) capabilities. It records spatiotemporal gait data at a 500 Hz sampling frequency. In this study, the device is used to measure gait parameters under different upper extremity support conditions.

No Support Protocol: The standardized protocol of walking under no support: Natural walking with free arm swing. Each trial lasts 2 minutes with mandatory rest periods to prevent fatigue.

Unilateral Support Protocol: The standardized protocol of walking under unilateral support: Holding the handrail with the non-paretic hand. Each trial lasts 2 minutes with mandatory rest periods to prevent fatigue.

Bilateral Support Protocol: The standardized protocol of walking under bilateral support: Holding the handrails with both hands. Each trial lasts 2 minutes with mandatory rest periods to prevent fatigue.

Study summary

Purpose: The primary goal of this study is to investigate how different levels of upper extremity (arm) support affect walking patterns in individuals who have experienced a stroke. Specifically, the research aims to determine how restricting or facilitating arm swing during walking modulates spatiotemporal gait parameters (such as speed, step length, and rhythm).

Background: Arm swing plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, stability, and energy efficiency during normal walking. Following a stroke, many patients use walking aids (like canes or walkers) or clinical supports (like parallel bars) that restrict natural arm movement. This study examines whether these restrictions significantly alter gait mechanics in the stroke population.

Methodology: Participants will participate in a cross-over experimental trial. Each participant will walk on a specialized treadmill system (C-Mill VR+) under three randomized conditions: 1. Unsupported walking (no arm support), 2. Single-arm support (using the non-paretic side), 3. Dual-arm support (using both arms).

Researchers will record gait speed, step length, cadence, and duration of stance/swing phases for each condition.

Expected Outcome: The findings will provide scientific evidence on how different support strategies modulate walking performance. This information will help physical therapists design more effective, individualized rehabilitation programs to improve mobility and quality of life for stroke survivors.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Cadence — At the end of each 2-minute walking condition during the single study session.
  Data will be collected using the C-Mill VR+ force-plate integrated treadmill system at a sampling frequency of 500 Hz. These parameters will be used to compare the biomechanical differences between unsupported, single-arm, and dual-arm supported walking.
• Stride length — At the end of each 2-minute walking condition during the single study session.
  Data will be collected using the C-Mill VR+ force-plate integrated treadmill system at a sampling frequency of 500 Hz. These parameters will be used to compare the biomechanical differences between unsupported, single-arm, and dual-arm supported walking.
• Double Support Time — At the end of each 2-minute walking condition during the single study session.
  Data will be collected using the C-Mill VR+ force-plate integrated treadmill system at a sampling frequency of 500 Hz. These parameters will be used to compare the biomechanical differences between unsupported, single-arm, and dual-arm supported walking.

Trial sites (1)

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