Using brain stimulation to enhance hand function recovery after stroke
Official title: tDCS During Contralaterally Controlled FES for Upper Extremity Hemiplegia
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11084503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy that combines two techniques to help stroke patients regain better control and movement in their hands, making it easier for them to do everyday tasks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD109299-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are dealing with impaired hand function, particularly those with chronic hemiparesis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or those with other neurological conditions unrelated to stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapy combining contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve hand function in patients who have experienced a stroke. CCFES allows patients to control the stimulation of their hand muscles, promoting better movement and dexterity. By applying tDCS during CCFES, the study aims to enhance the brain's ability to recover and improve motor function. Patients will participate in therapy sessions where both techniques are used to maximize rehabilitation outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve hand function and quality of life for stroke survivors with upper-limb hemiparesis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous clinical trials have shown that CCFES-assisted therapy improves upper-limb function, suggesting that combining it with tDCS may also yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cunningham, David Arthur — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Cunningham, David Arthur
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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In-bed wearable rehab robot to help stroke survivors recover movement
A wearable robotic device will be developed to help adults who recently had an acute stroke regain movement while still in the hospital.
-
Spinal cord stimulation to help arm and hand movement after stroke
A new cervical spinal cord stimulation approach is tested to improve arm and hand function in people living with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.
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Understanding ATP1A3-related illness using worm models to find new therapy targets
Researchers are studying how faulty ATP1A3 genes cause Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood and are using tiny worm models to find genes that could be targeted to treat the condition.
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Helping brain recovery for people with severe paralysis after a recent stroke
This project builds a wearable in-bed robot to give gentle movement and sensory training to adults with severe weakness right after a stroke.
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Combining gentle brain stimulation with patient-controlled electrical hand therapy after stroke
This project combines mild brain stimulation with a patient-controlled electrical therapy to help people with hand weakness after stroke regain better hand movement.
-
Neck-level spinal stimulation to improve arm and hand movement after stroke
This project uses mild electrical stimulation of the neck-level spinal cord to help people with long-term arm or hand weakness after a stroke.
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.