Brain activation during mirror-hand movements after stroke (fNIRS)

A Functional Near- Infrared Spectroscopy Study on the Brain Activation Characteristics of Stroke Patients During Mirror Movement

This project uses near-infrared sensors to see if moving the healthy hand while viewing its mirror image changes brain activity in people who had a first stroke within six months and have very weak finger movement.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 25 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Hangzhou)
• Trial ID: NCT07509944 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Right-handed adults 18–75 who had a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within six months, have very weak affected finger muscles (≤ grade 1), and meet cognitive and tone criteria are enrolled in the hospital rehabilitation ward. Researchers record cortical signals with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) while participants perform or observe mirror-image movements of the healthy hand, with informed consent and standard screening (e.g., MMSE). This is an observational protocol with no interventional treatment; data will compare hemispheric activation patterns during mirror movement conditions. Exclusion criteria include prior brain injury, epilepsy, significant peripheral nerve injury, or inability to follow instructions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults 18–75 with a first stroke within six months, very weak affected finger strength (≤ grade 1), Ashworth ≤2, normal or corrected vision/hearing, and sufficient cognition/communication (MMSE ≥20).

Not a fit: People with prior strokes or other brain injuries, a history of epilepsy, significant cognitive or communication impairment (MMSE <20), or peripheral nerve injuries are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor mirror-based rehabilitation and guide which patients might benefit from mirror therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous fNIRS and mirror-therapy studies have shown changes in motor cortex activation and some functional gains, but results are variable and this specific severely weak, first-stroke subgroup is less frequently studied.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* It meets the diagnostic criteria of the "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases in China", and is diagnosed as cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage by CT or MRI.
* The first stroke occurred;
* The muscle strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the affected finger is ≤ grade 1.
* Right-handed player
* Muscle tone improvement: Asworth level 2 or below;
* The disease course is within 6 months and the condition is stable.
* Age: 18 to 75 years old, with normal vision and hearing or corrected to normal.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those with an MMSE score less than 20, severe memory, communication and speech command comprehension disorders, and those who cannot cooperate with examinations and treatments;
* Those with a history of epilepsy;
* Those with a history of stroke, traumatic brain injury or brain tumor in the past;
* Those with peripheral nervous system injuries other than stroke as diagnosed by imaging;
* Those with visual spatial impairments such as visual field defects and unilateral neglect;
* Skull defect or metal bone plates
* For those who are not suitable for functional near-infrared examination;
* Those with a history of intracranial surgery.
* Patients with lesion areas in the cerebellum or brainstem.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou

• The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine — Hangzhou, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jiasheng Zhu, Bachelor's

Conditions Stroke; Upper Limb Function