Using brain stimulation and electrical stimulation to help people with severe arm weakness
Contralaterally Controlled FES Combined with Brain Stimulation for Severe Upper limb Hemiplegia
This study is testing a new therapy that helps people with severe arm weakness after a stroke use their affected hand by controlling it with their other hand, and it also looks at how adding brain stimulation can make this therapy even better for improving everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10848420 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel therapy called contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) designed for patients with severe upper limb hemiplegia, who have little to no movement in their affected arm. The therapy uses electrical stimulation to help open the paretic hand, controlled by the patient's unaffected hand through a special glove with sensors. This allows patients to practice functional tasks with their affected arm, even if they cannot move it voluntarily. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of CCFES by combining it with brain stimulation techniques to further improve motor function and daily living activities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severe upper limb hemiplegia who have minimal or no voluntary movement in their affected arm.
Not a fit: Patients with intact motor function in their upper limbs or those who do not have hemiplegia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of patients with severe arm weakness to perform daily activities and enhance their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that similar approaches using electrical stimulation can be effective, but this specific combination of techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plow, Ela B — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Plow, Ela B
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.