A device for stroke rehabilitation using brain and muscle stimulation

A Closed Loop Neural Activity Triggered Stroke Rehabilitation Device

Not applicable Interventional University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT02098265

This study is testing a new device that uses brain and muscle stimulation to see if it can help stroke patients recover better than traditional rehab methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment288 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other
Locations1 site (Madison, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT02098265 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a closed-loop rehabilitation device that combines functional muscle stimulation of the arm and non-invasive neurostimulation through the tongue, guided by EEG output, to enhance recovery in stroke patients. The study will involve adult stroke patients with upper extremity motor impairments, as well as healthy controls and individuals with stroke risk factors. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the innovative stimulation therapy or traditional rehabilitation methods, with outcomes measured through behavioral assessments and brain imaging techniques like fMRI.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult stroke patients with persistent upper extremity deficits.

Not a fit: Patients with no upper extremity impairments or those with certain neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients with upper extremity impairments.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar non-invasive stimulation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (Experimental Group):

* Stroke patients with persistent upper extremity (UE) deficits

Inclusion Criteria (Control Group 1)

* Stroke patients without UE impairments
* Participants with risk factors for stroke
* healthy controls

  * No known neurologic, psychiatric or developmental disability

Inclusion Criteria (Control Group 2)

* Stroke patients with persistent upper extremity (UE) deficits
* Moderate upper extremity (dominant right hand affected) impairment (score of 1 or 2 on the motor sub-component of the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) and ARAT score 20-45)
* No upper extremity injury or conditions that limited use prior to the stroke
* Pre-stroke independence with a Modified Rankin Score of 0 or 1, for the standard FES only intervention.

Exclusion Criteria (for all participants):

* Allergic to electrode gel, surgical tape and metals
* Participants under treatment for infectious diseases or having apparent oral lesions or inflammation will be excluded from the study
* Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant during the course of the study will be excluded
* Participants with contraindications for MRI will be offered the opportunity to participate in the interventions study only (e.g. EEG-BCI-FES and behavioral testing)

Exclusion Criteria (for healthy controls)

* Contraindications for MRI
* Allergic to electrode gel, surgical tape, and metals.

Where this trial is running

Madison, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Strokeaneurysmtransient ischemic attack
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.