BreEStim for motor recovery after chronic stroke with severe finger spasticity
Official title: BreEStim for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT04750564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04750564 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a single, chronic stroke (≥ 6 months) and measurable finger flexor hypertonia (MAS ≥ 1) who are medically stable.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with visual, cognitive, or pulmonary limitations, recent tone-altering treatments, or pacemakers may not benefit and could be ineligible for the study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional pilot study explores BreEStim, a breathing-controlled electrical stimulation approach, to see if it can lessen finger muscle spasticity and enhance hand function in chronic stroke survivors. Eligible participants have a single, stable stroke with detectable finger flexor hypertonia (MAS ≥ 1) and are at least 6 months post-stroke. The intervention uses BreEStim alongside standard electrical stimulation, with safety and feasibility outcomes as primary considerations. Exclusion criteria include significant visual, cognitive, or pulmonary comorbidities, recent toxin injections or tone-altering medications, and implanted pacemakers. The study is led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, with site activities conducted at the same institution in Houston, TX.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced finger spasticity and improved hand function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior similar approaches have shown promise in managing post-stroke motor impairment, but BreEStim remains a novel, pilot approach requiring further validation.
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
-
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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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.