Effect of a Perturbation-based Balance Training Combined With Targeted Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Reactive Balance Control and Early Fall Risk Predictors in Persons With Stroke.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of a 4-week perturbation-based balance training with and without targeted Neuromuscular electrical stimulation on neuromechanic gait fall risk predictor and reactive balance. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a 4-weeks perturbation-based balance training can improve kinematic and spatiotemporal parameters of reactive balance control, and kinematic and neuromuscular gait parameters, described as early fall risk predictors, in persons with stroke. Additionally, a second aim is to determine whether an impairment-oriented intervention aimed to correct the gait patterns during the proposed walking perturbation training, using a targeted neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles, could enhance the potential benefits of the proposed training protocol among stroke population.
• Healthy participants will be included if they passed a cognitive test (\> 26/30 on Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale) and finish a six-minute walk test independently (to ensure that these individuals can walk without balance or gait impairments)