Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Randomized Control Trial Comparing Walking Task Specific Training With Stride Management Assist (SMA) Device vs.Functional Task Specific Training on Functional Walking Ability in Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation
Brief Summary: Hypothesis/Specific Aims:

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of training with the Stride Management Assist (SMA) device vs. Impairment based physical therapy (IPT) on descending corticospinal drive to the lower limb muscles in patients post stroke. The investigators hypothesize that long-term SMA use would strengthen the connections between the motor areas of the brain and the lower limbs. Specifically, individuals in the SMA group will show higher corticospinal excitability of the lower limb muscles compared to those in the IPT group.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* First-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke;
* More than or equal to 3 months post stroke;
* Age\>18 years;
* Mini- Mental State Examination (MMSE) score more than 23;
* Ability to stand for at least 1 min without arm support; ability to walk independently for at least 10 m with or without walking aids;
* Functional Ambulation Category score equal or more than 1.
* Signed informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive or communicative disorders that hamper collaboration;
* Unstable cardiovascular system conditions (i.e. labile compensated cardiac insufficiency, angina pectoris), deep vein thrombosis, severe neurological or orthopedic diseases which massively affect lower limb mobility; severe joint misalignment;
* Treatment of lower limb spasticity (i.e. botulinum toxin) in the 3 months prior to the start of the study and/or during its execution.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Have been admitted to a hospital unit for stroke treatment
* Stroke within last 3 months
* One-sided hemiparesis
* 19 years or older
* Requires 2-person assist to walk
* Able to communicate and follow instructions
* Prescribed to receive physiotherapy care

Exclusion Criteria:

* Stroke of non-vascular origin (e.g. tumour, infection)
* Significant musculoskeletal or other neurological condition
* Co-morbidities that would preclude activity
* Pregnant
* Unable to walk prior to stroke
* \<60 inches or \>74 inches in height
* \>220 pounds in weight
* Joint contractures or spasticity that would limit safe use of the Ekso exoskeleton
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 30-days post stroke
* Initial gait speed of \> 0.4 m/s and \< 0.8 m/s
* Adequate cognitive function (MMSE score \>17)
* Subject is willing to be randomized to the control group or the treatment group.
* Ability to sit unsupported for 30 seconds
* Ability to walk at least 10m with maximum 1 person assist,
* Ability to follow a three-step command
* Physician approval for patient participation
* Living in the community post-stroke with ability to travel to the intervention site to participate in the outpatient program and able to perform the home exercise program in the residential facility.
* Willing to carry wireless body sensors through the period of the study and to follow-up time period, post inpatient stroke, cardiac, pulmonary, or any other lower extremity physical rehabilitation
* ≥ 90 days post major orthopedic surgery (i.e. hip, knee, and/or ankle joint replacement)
* ≥ 6 months post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or cardiac valve procedure
* Able and willing to give written consent and comply with study procedures, including follow-up visits
* Cannot not be participating in any other structured outpatient or home health physical therapy program

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious cardiac conditions (hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart surgery within 3 months, history of congestive heart failure, documented serious and unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living)
* Severe arthritis or orthopedic problems that limit passive ranges of motion (ROM) of lower extremity (knee flexion contracture of \> 10°, knee flexion ROM \< 90°, hip flexion contracture \> 25°, and ankle plantar flexion contracture \> 15
* Serious medical conditions including myocardial infarction or heart surgery within 3 months, history of congestive heart failure, documented serious and unstable cardiac arrhythmias, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, angina or dyspnea at rest or during activities of daily living, Severe hypertension, severe weight bearing pain, life expectancy less than one year
* Preexisting neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), dementia
* History of major head trauma, Lower extremity amputation, Non-healing ulcers of a lower extremity, Renal dialysis or end stage liver disease, Legal blindness or severe visual impairment, a history of significant psychiatric illness
* History of unexplained, recurring headaches, epilepsy/seizures/skull fractures or skull deficits
* Medications that lower seizure threshold
* History of concussion in last 6 months
* Subject is pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy
* Inability to travel 3 times per week for outpatient training programs
* Participating in another clinical trial that, according to the Principal Investigator, is likely to affect study outcome or confound results
D: Inclusion Criteria:

(i) age ≥55 years; (ii) a first-ever ischemic supra-tentorial stroke (confirmed by MRI scan) at least 6 months before their enrollment; (iii) an unilateral hemiparesis, with a Muscle Research Council -MCR- score ≤3; (iv) ability to follow verbal instructions, with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) \>24; (v) a Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score ≤2; (vi) no severe bone or joint disease; and (vii) no history of concomitant neurodegenerative diseases or brain surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

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Answer: C