Understanding why stroke survivors don't use their affected arm

Mechanistic and neuroanatomic bases of disparity between arm capacity and use in stroke

NIH-funded research Albert Einstein Healthcare Network · NIH-11096001

This study is looking into why some stroke survivors can move their affected arm but don’t use it, and it aims to understand the reasons behind this so that better rehabilitation methods can be developed to help them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbert Einstein Healthcare Network NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11096001 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates why many stroke survivors do not use their affected arm despite having the physical ability to do so. It focuses on the disparity between arm capacity and actual use, known as Use/Capacity Disparity (UCD). The study will assess various factors, including sensory-motor processing and cognitive aspects, through a series of tests on stroke patients. By identifying the underlying mechanisms of UCD, the research aims to inform targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and exhibit reduced use of one arm despite having the capacity to use it.

Not a fit: Patients who have severe disabilities or those who do not have the capacity to use their affected arm may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance arm use in stroke survivors, thereby improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of Use/Capacity Disparity have not been extensively studied, related research in neuro-rehabilitation has shown promise in understanding and improving arm function post-stroke.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.