The working hypothesis for this pre-post intervention study is that one session of AMPS will increase voluntary motor drive of the plantar-flexors (soleus) muscle. The primary outcome measure will be maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the soleus (measured by electromyography, EMG); the secondary outcome will be the MVC of the antagonist muscle, the tibialis anterior. Data will be collected before the first session compared to directly after. The same measures in sham-stimulated and healthy volunteers will serve as controls.
This study will investigate the clinical, functional and neurophysiological effects of automated mechanical peripheral stimulation (AMPS) via the Gondola device administered to patients with chronic stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's Disease. Results will be collected using standardized outcome measures and a transcranial magnetic stimulation assessment protocol including electrical stimulation and electromyographic recording.