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NCT Number: NCT07327814

Effect of Mental Arithmetic Priming on Gait and Balance in Stroke

This study investigates the effect of cognitive priming through mental arithmetic on functional mobility in post-stroke patients. It hypothesizes that performing mental calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication) prior to movement stimulates frontoparietal networks, thereby improving gait speed and dynamic balance compared to a passive control condition.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Disease Disorders Gait Disorders Hemiparesis Mobility Limitation Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Paresis Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Posture Signs and Symptoms Vascular Diseases

Age range

60 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Stroke often results in impaired sensorimotor integration and executive dysfunction, leading to gait and balance deficits. Emerging evidence suggests a link between numerical cognition and motor control networks. This randomized controlled trial compares an experimental group (performing 30-second mental arithmetic tasks) against a control group (passive visual exposure). Functional mobility is assessed immediately following the cognitive stimulus using the Ten-Meter Walk Test (10mWT) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to evaluate the immediate "priming" effects of cognitive load on motor performance.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of stroke.
  • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 23.
  • Ability to walk 10 meters independently (with or without assistive device).

Exclusion criteria

  • Hemianopia.
  • Wernicke's aphasia or Global aphasia.
  • Orthopedic injuries or recent surgeries affecting the lower limbs.

Treatment and study plan

Mental Arithmetic

Behavioral

Visual presentation of arithmetic equations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication) projected on a screen. Participants must calculate and verbally report the answer within a 10-second window per equation.

Passive Viewing

Behavioral

Passive viewing of a black screen with no cognitive demand.

Primary outcomes

  1. Gait Speed (10mWT)

    Time frame: Immediately following the 30-second cognitive stimulus.

    Assessed using the Ten-Meter Walk Test (10mWT). Participants walk 14 meters; time is recorded for the middle 10 meters to determine steady-state gait speed.

  2. Dynamic Balance (TUG)

    Time frame: Immediately following the 30-second cognitive stimulus.

    Assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Time taken to stand from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Ahmad I. Rifai Sarraj, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+9613662956

Jihan Allaw, Master

CONTACT

[email protected]

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lebanese University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Mental Calculus Can Enhance Gait Performance in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: MA-Stroke

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jan 8, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 16, 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.

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