Motor Priming and Training for Post-Stroke Arm Weakness

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen byDaniel M Corcos, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Northwestern University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing two methods to help stroke survivors improve arm function: using both hands together with a tool or using gentle electrical signals. The study focuses on people with severe arm weakness after a stroke. The goal is to see which method better prepares the brain for therapy and leads to greater improvements in arm movement. Electrical stimulation therapy can effectively improve the arm function in stroke patients.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for stroke survivors with severe arm weakness (hemiparesis) who had a stroke at least 6 months ago, without cerebellum involvement. They should have some wrist movement and score within a specific range on the FMUE TEST. Excluded are those with hearing issues, persistent headaches, certain orthopedic conditions, low cognitive scores, metal in head/neck area, seizure history, concussion with loss of consciousness, pacemakers/neurostimulators, pregnancy or metastatic cancer.

Inclusion Criteria

I had a stroke that did not affect my cerebellum at least 6 months ago.

I had a stroke that did not affect my cerebellum over 6 months ago.

My wrist stiffness is mild to moderate.

See 2 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have had a concussion that caused you to lose consciousness.

You have ringing in your ears or have cochlear implants.

I have had ongoing headaches.

See 8 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Bilateral Motor Priming + Task Specific Training (BMP + TST) (Behavioural Intervention)
Control Priming + TST (CP + TST) (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests two treatments to improve arm function after stroke: one uses bilateral motor priming (BMP), where both wrists move together using a device; the other uses electrical stimulation priming (CP). Both groups receive task-specific training (TST). Participants will be randomly assigned to either group and undergo evaluations before treatment starts, after it ends and at an 8-week follow-up.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Bilateral motor priming + Task specific training (BMP + TST)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

A combination of bilateral motor priming (BMP) plus task specific training (TST) for 30 hours over 5 weeks.

Group II: Control Priming + TST (CP + TST)Active Control1 Intervention

The control priming is transcutaneous electric stimulation (TENS) set at a low threshold followed by the same task specific training protocol for 30 hours over 5 weeks.