Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation to help hand function after stroke
Official title: BreEStim for Motor Recovery in Chronic Stroke With Moderate Impairment (Pilot).
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT04750551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment using BreEStim tests whether combining breathing control with electrical stimulation can reduce finger flexor tightness and improve hand movement in people who are several months post-stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 4 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04750551 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a single, chronic stroke (≥6 months) who have detectable finger flexor spasticity (MAS ≥ 1) and are medically stable.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with significant visual, cognitive, or pulmonary issues, pacemakers, recent toxin injections in the arm, or those pregnant may not benefit and could be ineligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study explores BreEStim, a breathing-regulated electrical stimulation approach, to see if it can lessen finger flexor spasticity and enhance hand function in adults with chronic stroke and moderate impairment. Eligible participants have had a single stroke at least 6 months ago, with detectable finger flexor hypertonia (MAS ≥ 1). The trial compares BreEStim against standard or concurrent electrical stimulation, focusing on safety and functional outcomes. Exclusion criteria include visual or cognitive impairments, pulmonary disease, recent tone-modulating medications, recent botulinum toxin or phenol injections, pacemakers, and pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced finger spasticity and improved hand function.
How similar studies have gone: Similar neuromodulation approaches have shown promise in improving motor function after stroke, but BreEStim specifically with breathing-regulated stimulation is a novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * has post stroke ≥ 6 months , medically stable; * Unilateral, single stroke (no restriction on type (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or volume (large or small) of stroke); * MAS score ≥ 1, i.e., detectable finger flexor hypertonia; Exclusion criteria include: * Patients with visual deficit/neglect; hearing or cognitive impairment; * Patients with history of pulmonary disease (Asthma, chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, COPD); * Patients that are currently adjusting tone alternating medications (e.g., baclofen), or * Patients received botulinum toxin injection to the arm/fingers \<4 months, or phenol injections \< 2 years; * Patients with a pacemaker; * Women who are pregnant.
Where it's running
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The University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheng Li, MD, PhD — University of Texas
- Study coordinator: Sheng Li, MD, PhD
- Email: sheng.li@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 797-7125
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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tACS for motor recovery after stroke
This study tests whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can help adults who are at least 6 months post-stroke regain finger movement.
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BreEStim for motor recovery after chronic stroke with moderate impairment
A small pilot test will try Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation to see if it reduces finger muscle tightness and improves hand function in people who had a stroke more than 6 months ago.
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BreEStim for motor recovery after chronic stroke with severe finger spasticity
This pilot test checks whether Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation (BreEStim) can reduce finger flexor spasticity and improve hand function in people who have had a stroke at least 6 months ago with serious impairment.
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.