Combined tsES and NMES robotic training for post-stroke upper-limb rehab

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study examines a multimodal rehabilitation approach that blends central neuromodulation with peripheral activation and robotic training for upper-limb recovery after stroke. It will assess clinical outcomes, EEG/EMG and movement data to understand neurological changes and neuroplasticity. Participants are adults in the chronic phase of stroke who have unilateral arm weakness and meet cognitive and physical criteria. The trial includes electrical stimulation, robotic-assisted therapy, and occupational therapy, with sham stimulation as a control option. Outcomes will inform whether this combination can enhance motor function and elucidate neural mechanisms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects in the chronic stage (start from 6 months after the onset of stroke) with a pure unilateral motor paresis after a stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic);
* Sufficient cognition to follow simple instructions as well as understand the content and purpose of the experiment (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score\>23);
* Be able to sit up for 60 minutes (with or without assistance);
* Muscle strength graded from 1 to 3 in biceps brachii, triceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis, flexor carpi radialis, and abductor pollicis brevis in the affected side.
* The voluntary electromyographic signals of the wrist extensor and wrist flexor muscle groups can be detected.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with secondary stroke;
* Severe dysphasia (either expressive or comprehensive) with inadequate communication;
* Any additional medical or psychological condition affecting their ability to comply with the study protocol;
* History of other neurological disease, psychiatric disorder, including alcoholism and substance abuse;
* currently pregnant;
* epilepsy;
* pacemaker implantation or deep brain stimulation;
* involved in drug studies, other clinical trials, or concurrent medication/occupational/physical treatments on the upper limb;
* skin disease at the area of the electrodes;
* High hypertension and cannot maintain normal blood pressure despite daily intake of antihypertensive medication.

Where it's running

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Xiaoling HU — The Hong Kong Polyterchnic University

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.