Vibrotactile Feedback to Improve Walking After Stroke

Stroke survivors often walk more slowly and may have difficulty producing the movements needed to walk efficiently. This study will evaluate whether vibrotactile feedback, delivered through small wearable devices that provide vibrations during walking, can help individuals with chronic stroke change specific walking movements related to walking speed, propulsion, and balance. Participants will complete a single study visit at Bucknell University. During the visit, participants will perform several walking trials with and without vibrotactile feedback and will complete common clinical mobility and balance assessments. Motion capture technology and wearable sensors will be used to measure movement during walking. The goal of this study is to better understand how vibrotactile feedback can be used to improve walking performance after stroke and to support the future development of rehabilitation approaches for stroke survivors.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 85 years * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Single unilateral stroke at least 6 months prior to enrollment * ICD diagnosis code for hemiparesis (I69.35X) * Independently ambulatory (cane acceptable; orthosis may require further evaluation) * Resting heart rate 40 to 100 beats per minute * Resting blood pressure 90/60 to 170/90 mmHg * Active hip extension of at least 5 degrees * Active ankle dorsiflexion to neutral with the knee extended Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of cerebellar stroke * Other neurological conditions * Lower-limb botulinum toxin injections within the previous 4 months * Pain that limits walking * Unable to communicate with investigators * Signs of unilateral neglect * Unexplained dizziness within the previous 6 months * Fall within the previous 6 months * Congestive heart failure * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Severe peripheral vascular disease * Score greater than 1 on question 1b of the NIH Stroke Scale * Score greater than 0 on question 1c of the NIH Stroke Scale * Currently pregnant