Cognition and Motor Learning Post-stroke

What this study involves

The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Early Phase 1

Age range

45 years - 85 years

Sex eligible

All sexes

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

Participants

51 Actual

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

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.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

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

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Not applicable

Masking

No masking

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Secondary measures

Research locations (1)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

University of Southern California

Study start

Jan 16, 2023 Actual

Primary completion

Sep 4, 2025 Actual

Study completion

Sep 4, 2025 Actual

First posted

Apr 2, 2021 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts

No central contact is listed. Check the locations and the official record.