NCT07652970 · University of Illinois at Chicago
Tele-CE in Severe Stroke
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effects of home-based cross-education on lower limb neuroplasticity in severe stroke.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effects of home-based cross-education on lower limb neuroplasticity in severe stroke. The main questions the investigators aim to answer are: * What are the effects of home-based cross-education on lower limb neuroplasticity? * What are the effects of home-based cross-education on lower limb function? * Is home-based cross-education feasible to administer and accepted by participants? Participants will take part in ten home-based, remotely supervised sessions, during which participants will either perform unilateral skill and strength training of the unaffected lower limb (Tele-Cross Education or Tele-CE) or cognitive training and unilateral movements of the unaffected lower limb (Tele-control). Each participant will experience measures of brain and spinal activity and motor function testing before and after both sessions (Tele-CE and Tele-control). Each participant will also be asked to fill out a feedback questionnaire to assess acceptability after intervention sessions (Tele-CE and Tele-control).
Interventions
OTHER
Tele-CE
Skilled dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movements of the unaffected ankle using a tablet-based system to play simple and engaging games.
OTHER
Tele-CE
Unilateral lower limb strength training of the unaffected leg using a theraband targeting hip flexors, hip abductors, hip adductors, knee flexors, knee extensors, and ankle plantarflexors.
OTHER
Tele-Control
Cognitive training using games focusing on memory and executive function along with unilateral leg movements of the unaffected hip flexors, hip abductors, hip adductors, knee flexors, knee extensors, and ankle plantarflexors.
Primary outcome measures
Corticomotor excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Time frame: Changes will be calculated from baseline (pre) to immediately after the intervention (post).
Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assess the corticomotor excitability from the tibialis anterior muscle. Higher values indicate more corticomotor excitability.
Transcallosal Inhibition using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Time frame: Changes will be calculated from baseline (pre) to immediately after the intervention (post).
Inhibition from the stimulated hemisphere to the non-stimulated hemisphere will be quantified as a measure of the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) using single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) will be recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle of the leg ipsilateral to TMS stimulation. Higher values indicate more inhibition from the stimulated hemisphere to the non-stimulated hemisphere.
Cutaneous reflex excitability using peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS)
Time frame: Changes will be calculated from baseline (pre) to immediately after the intervention (post).
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) will be used to assess the cutaneous reflexes excitability from the deep peroneal nerve.
Muscle Strength
Time frame: Changes will be calculated from baseline (pre) to immediately after the intervention (post).
Muscle strength of the affected and unaffected hip flexors, hip abductors, hip adductors, knee flexors, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and ankle plantarflexors will be measured using handheld dynamometry.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Single, monohemispheric stroke
- Chronic stroke (\> 6 months prior)
- Severe stroke (Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity motor scale score \< 21 or 6 Minute Walk Test distance \< 300m)
Exclusion criteria
- Use of anti-spasticity medications
- Existence of other neurological disorders
- Have brainstem or cerebellar lesions.
- Mini-Mental State Examiniation score of \<21, to ensure participants have the cognitive capacity to consent and can understand instructions both in-person and during remote supervision.
- Non-English-speaking individuals
- Bone, joint or soft tissue injury
- Uncontrolled medical conditions (such as uncontrolled hypertension, untreated cardiac disease, or untreated pulmonary disease)
- Unable to see the tablet and zoom screen
- Unable to move non-paretic ankle (\< 5 degrees of ankle ROM)
- Fugl-Meyer Lower Extremity sensory scale score \< 6 TMS exclusion criteria
- Previous adverse reaction to TMS
- Skull abnormalities or fractures
- Concussion within the prior 6 months
- Unexplained, recurring headaches
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker
- Metal implants in the head or face
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Use of medications that could alter cortical excitability or increase risk of seizure (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants)
- Current pregnancy PNS exclusion criteria
- Skin hypersensitivity at any sites of stimulation, including the scalp, thoracolumbar spine, and peripheral limbs
- History of contact dermatitis at any of the sites of stimulation
- History of allodynia and/or hyperalgesia
- Active skin infection
- Skin lesions
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Any other skin or scalp condition that could be aggravated by stimulation
- Implanted electronic, metallic, or highly conductive devices near site of stimulation that cannot be removed without permission from a health professional
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations