Stroke Clinical Trial - Mechanisms of Neuromuscular Fatigue Post Stroke

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

While baseline weakness is clearly an important factor that contributes to disability post stroke, neuromuscular fatigue (the acute reduction in force production) of the paretic musculature likely compounds strength deficits and further exacerbates disability. The proposed study aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue in people post stroke in order to optimize strength training. In healthy individuals, both central (neural) and peripheral (muscle) factors are determinants of neuromuscular fatigue, but preliminary data from our laboratory suggests a greater contribution of central components to neuromuscular fatigue in the paretic musculature. Although cortical pathways are clearly disrupted post stroke, it is likely that brainstem pathways, known to have neuromodulatory effects on spinal motor circuitry, are more involved in the sustaining of force in the paretic leg, compared to the non-paretic and control legs. Therefore, the purpose of this proposal is to examine the role of descending neuromodulatory pathways of the brainstem in neuromuscular fatigue post stroke (Aim 1) and to correlate brainstem-related changes in neuromuscular fatigue to walking function (Aim 2). The investigators propose that stroke survivors' decreased capability to sustain force overtime results from the diminished ability of spinal motoneurons to respond to brainstem neuromodulatory inputs (serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE)). Aim 1 will quantify stroke-related decreases in motor output sensitivity to a 5-HT and NE reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), serotonin antagonist, or placebo during sub-maximal intermittent fatiguing knee extension contractions. If motoneurons are desensitized to descending monoamines in chronic stroke patients, then they will be less sensitive to the effects of drugs that increase monoamine levels. The investigators predict that in response to the SNRI or serotonin antagonist, the paretic leg will show less change in time to task failure and a smaller reduction in strength as compared to the non-paretic and control legs. For Aim 2, the investigators predict that stroke subjects with the highest walking function will demonstrate the greatest fatigue-related changes in response to the SNRI. This proposal adopts an innovative model of motor impairment post stroke by including the role of subcortical structures in neuromuscular fatigue.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Basic Science

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Stroke

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT01688570
Study type	Interventional
Source	Medical College of Wisconsin
Contact
Status	Completed
Phase	Phase 0
Start date	August 2011
Completion date	May 2015

View Details

See also
Status	Clinical Trial	Phase
Recruiting	`NCT04043052` - Mobile Technologies and Post-stroke Depression	N/A
Recruiting	`NCT03869138` - Alternative Therapies for Improving Physical Function in Individuals With Stroke	N/A
Completed	`NCT04034069` - Effects of Priming Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation on Upper Limb Motor Recovery After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial	N/A
Completed	`NCT04101695` - Hemodynamic Response of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Cerebellar Hemisphere in Healthy Subjects	N/A
Terminated	`NCT03052712` - Validation and Standardization of a Battery Evaluation of the Socio-emotional Functions in Various Neurological Pathologies	N/A
Completed	`NCT00391378` - Cerebral Lesions and Outcome After Cardiac Surgery (CLOCS)	N/A
Recruiting	`NCT06204744` - Home-based Arm and Hand Exercise Program for Stroke: A Multisite Trial	N/A
Active, not recruiting	`NCT06043167` - Clinimetric Application of FOUR Scale as in Treatment and Rehabilitation of Patients With Acute Cerebral Injury
Active, not recruiting	`NCT04535479` - Dry Needling for Spasticity in Stroke	N/A
Completed	`NCT03985761` - Utilizing Gaming Mechanics to Optimize Telerehabilitation Adherence in Persons With Stroke	N/A
Recruiting	`NCT00859885` - International PFO Consortium	N/A
Recruiting	`NCT06034119` - Effects of Voluntary Adjustments During Walking in Participants Post-stroke	N/A
Completed	`NCT03622411` - Tablet-based Aphasia Therapy in the Chronic Phase	N/A
Completed	`NCT01662960` - Visual Feedback Therapy for Treating Individuals With Hemiparesis Following Stroke	N/A
Recruiting	`NCT05854485` - Robot-Aided Assessment and Rehabilitation of Upper Extremity Function After Stroke	N/A
Active, not recruiting	`NCT05520528` - Impact of Group Participation on Adults With Aphasia	N/A
Completed	`NCT03366129` - Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in People With White Matter Hyperintensities Who Have Had a Stroke
Completed	`NCT05805748` - Serious Game Therapy in Neglect Patients	N/A
Completed	`NCT03281590` - Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Registry
Recruiting	`NCT05621980` - Finger Movement Training After Stroke	N/A

Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.