Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT07759063

Clinical Validation of Self-Pacing Algorithms on Step Length Symmetry in Hemiplegic Populations

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of self-pacing algorithms in promoting step-length equalization in people with weakness on one side of the body. The main question it aims to answer is:

• How does walking on a treadmill that uses self-pacing algorithms to adjust speed affect stride length in comparison to walking on a treadmill without self-pacing capability? Researchers will compare study participants to themselves when walking on a self-pacing treadmill compared to walking on a fixed-pacing treadmill to see if a difference exists in the equalization of left- and right-sided stride length.

Participants will walk for two minutes at a self-selected pace to warm up and establish a baseline walking speed. They will then walk for 1 - 3 minutes either on a self-pacing treadmill or a fixed-pacing treadmill. A 3-minute seated rest break will follow. Then participants will walk for another 1 - 3 minutes using the treadmill not used in the first walking trial.

Enrolling by Invitation

Interested in participating?

Request Info

Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Brain Injuries Brain Injuries, Traumatic Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Craniocerebral Trauma Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Paresis Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Trauma, Nervous System Traumatic Brain Injury Vascular Diseases Wounds and Injuries

Age range

19 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Quality Living, Inc.

Omaha, Nebraska, 68104, United States

About this study

The chosen treadmill has self-pacing algorithms installed that adjust speed as a person walks. This allows a person to increase or decrease speed as desired throughout a walking session. Researchers have not yet determined the effect of using a self-pacing treadmill on left-right gait equalization among people with acquired hemiparesis secondary to stroke or traumatic brain injury. The researchers will compare measurement data captured by the system software when participants walk on the treadmill with the self-pacing feature turned on versus off. Each walking trial will last 1 - 3 minutes and will occur in a random order during a single research session. The randomization is to ensure that fatigue is not a factor when interpreting results.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Current client of Quality Living, Inc., in Omaha, NE
  • 19 to 75 years of age
  • Speak and understand English
  • Can ambulate overground for at least 10 minutes with or without use of aids
  • Medically cleared for treadmill exercise
  • Hemiparesis secondary to stroke or traumatic brain injury

Exclusion criteria

  • Has not retained power of attorney for healthcare

Treatment and study plan

Walking on self-pacing treadmill

Behavioral

Contrast with walking on fixed-pacing treadmill.

Walking on fixed-pacing treadmill

Behavioral

Contrast with walking on self-pacing treadmill.

Primary outcomes

  1. Difference in step length symmetry with self-pacing versus fixed-pacing treadmill walking

    Time frame: 1-3 minutes of walking on self-pacing treadmill and 1-3 minutes of walking on fixed-pacing treadmill during a single experimental session.

    Non-hemiparetic side step length minus hemiparetic side step length when walking on self-pacing versus fixed pacing treadmill.

  2. Difference in step-length on hemiparetic and non-hemiparetic sides

    Time frame: 1-3 minutes of walking on self-pacing treadmill and 1-3 minutes of walking on fixed-pacing treadmill.

    Length of forward movement of each foot during each walking step as measured in centimeters.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Quality Living, Inc.

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2028
First posted
Aug 11, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.