Bimanual motor skill learning for patients recovering from acute stroke
Official title: Exploring the Neural Substrates of Proximal and Distal Bimanual Motor Skill Learning Through Robotics and Multimodal Brain Imaging
Run by University Hospital of Mont-Godinne · NCT05760846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how stroke affects learning to use both hands together and aims to find better ways to help patients recover their motor skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital of Mont-Godinne Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Yvoir, Namur and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 17, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 2028 |
| Study ends | October 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05760846 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-90 who have experienced an acute stroke within the last 21 days.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive deficits, full paralysis of the arm, or multiple strokes may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates how acute stroke affects the ability to learn bimanual motor skills, which are essential for rehabilitation. Patients will participate in training sessions using specialized robotic devices and manual dexterity tools over three consecutive days. The research aims to identify the neural mechanisms involved in motor skill learning and how different brain lesions impact recovery. By analyzing performance in both proximal and distal bimanual tasks, the study seeks to enhance rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation techniques that enhance motor recovery in stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using robotic devices for motor skill learning in stroke rehabilitation has been explored, the specific focus on bimanual skills in acute stroke is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS: Inclusion Criteria: * acute stroke (\< 21 days) * aged 18-90 years * with a demonstrated stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) lesion on brain imaging Exclusion Criteria: * " classical " contre-indication to MRI (non-MR-compatible pacemaker, pregnancy, non-MR-compatible implanted devices, claustrophobia, etc ...) * difficulty in understanding or executing commands * drug/alcohol abuse * severe aphasia / cognitive deficits interfering with study * inability to complete the tasks (i.e. full paralysis of the arm) * multiple strokes / dementia / psychiatric condition HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS: Inclusion Criteria: • 18-90 years Exclusion Criteria: * medical history with a previous stroke / relevant neurological deficit * drug/alcohol abuse * psychiatric condition/ dementia
Where it's running
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CHU UCL Namur
Yvoir, Namur, Belgium Recruiting -
University Hospital CHU Dinant Godinne UCL
Yvoir, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yves Vandermeeren, MD, PhD — UCLouvain IONS
- Study coordinator: Yves Vandermeeren, MD, PhD
- Email: yves.vandermeeren@uclouvain.be
- Phone: +32 81 42 33 21
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Inter-Limb Transfer after Acute Stroke
This study tests whether practicing motor skills with the affected arm helps improve movement in the other arm after an acute stroke.
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Effectiveness of a new neurorehabilitation technology for stroke recovery
This study is testing a new rehabilitation technology that uses robots and virtual reality to see if it can help stroke patients recover better than regular therapy.
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Using the Atalante exoskeleton to help stroke patients walk again
This study is testing if using the Atalante exoskeleton can help stroke patients walk better compared to regular therapy.
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Music therapy after stroke
This trial tests whether adding music therapy to standard care helps stroke patients sleep better and feel less anxious or depressed while in the hospital.
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Endovascular therapy plus standard care vs standard care alone for distal and medium vessel strokes
In people with acute ischemic stroke due to distal or medium vessel blockages, this study tests whether adding endovascular treatment to the usual medical care helps improve outcomes compared with medical care alone.
-
Unimanual vs. Bimanual Motor Skill Learning After Stroke
The study tests whether people with acute or chronic stroke, as well as healthy controls, can learn and remember a complex motor task using one hand or both, with robotic devices REAplan and Dextrain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.