BreEStim for motor recovery after chronic stroke with moderate impairment
Official title: BreEStim for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT04752319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04752319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults at least 6 months post-ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with measurable finger flexor spasticity (MAS ≥ 1) and stable health.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant visual, hearing, cognitive deficits, active pulmonary disease, pacemakers, recent toxin injections, or pregnancy may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional study will apply Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation (BreEStim) to individuals with chronic stroke and moderate finger flexor spasticity. The trial aims to determine whether BreEStim can decrease hypertonia and enhance hand function after long-term use. Eligibility includes adults at least 6 months post-stroke with detectable finger flexor spasticity and stable health; exclusions focus on sensory, pulmonary, cognitive, or pregnancy-related considerations, as well as recent toxin injections or certain devices. The study is led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, with the unit’s Houston campus as the participating site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced finger stiffness and better hand function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using electrical stimulation for spasticity in stroke have shown mixed but promising results; this pilot explores a novel BreEStim 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 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.
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Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation to help hand function after stroke
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.
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.