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Step Forward: Help Us Improve Life After StrokeA Stroke Recovery Research Study at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health)

Join Our Research Study on Walking Recovery

Are you a stroke survivor still having trouble walking? You're not alone. Millions of people live with the long-term effects of stroke, including difficulty moving, walking, or balancing. These challenges can make everyday life harder and limit independence.

The main goal of this study is to explore whether a safe, non-invasive form of brain stimulation—called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—can help stroke survivors improve walking ability. This study may help you, and others like you, learn to move better and regain confidence.

We’re combining this gentle brain stimulation with a stepping task that helps retrain your brain and body to work together. This may lead to better walking, balance, and coordination over time. We want to understand if this type of training helps stroke survivors:

  • Learn stepping movements more effectively
  • Retain those skills for longer
  • Feel more confident while moving

Who can Participate

To participate in the study, you must:

  • Have had a stroke more than 6 months ago
  • Be between 21-90 years old
  • Pass a brief medical screening

What You’ll Do

  • Participate in one or more short sessions
  • Try a stepping task with visual feedback
  • Receive non-invasive brain stimulation (completely safe and painless)

Why Join?

  • You may see improvements in walking and balance
  • Contribute to cutting-edge research that may help improve stroke rehab for others
  • No cost to participate

Interested or want to learn more? Contact us today!

Step Forward - Patient Flyer 01

How Providers Can Help

As a healthcare provider, you know how critical mobility is for recovery and overall well-being. We are investigating whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a safe, low-intensity brain stimulation technique—can enhance learning and memory of a visuomotor stepping task (VST) designed to improve walking.

Shih-Chiao Tseng, PT, PhD, is the Principal Investigator of this study. This project is supported by the UTMB Health Pepper Center and the American Heart Association.

Contact Us

Shih-Chiao Tseng, PT, PhD
Phone: (409) 772-9555
Email:  shtseng@utmb.edu

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Studies in Recruitment

Last updated: May 8, 2025