Combining touch-based sensory and movement training to improve arm function after chronic stroke

The Neural Mechanism and Efficacy of Somatosensory Motor Intergration Training on the Upper Extremity Somatosensory Motor Function in Patients With Chronic Stroke.

This trial tests whether combining touch-based sensory training with arm movement exercises helps people with chronic stroke regain arm function better than sensory training or movement training alone.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 153 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei, Taiwan)
• Trial ID: NCT06057584 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized interventional trial will compare three approaches for people with chronic stroke: somatosensory-motor integration training, pure somatosensory training, and pure motor training. Participants are adults at least six months post-stroke with persistent upper-limb impairment and measurable somatosensory deficits. The interventions are delivered in person at a single center and outcomes will focus on upper-limb functional recovery and related neural changes. The design aims to determine whether combining sensory and motor practice produces greater functional gains than either approach alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (≥20 years) at least six months after a stroke with upper-limb Brunnstrom stage III–V, self- or therapist-identified somatosensory impairment, and no severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≤2).

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment (MoCA <20), severe aphasia, hemineglect, major psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, severe upper-limb musculoskeletal problems, or other contraindications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined training could lead to better arm function and greater independence in daily activities for people living with chronic stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller prior studies have shown that somatosensory or motor training can improve motor performance, but combined somatosensory-motor approaches have limited and low-quality evidence so far.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 20.
2. Diagnosed with stroke.
3. Stroke duration ≥ 6 months.
4. Upper limb Brunnstrom stage III-V.
5. No severe muscle spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≤ 2) in all segments of the affected upper limb.
6. Self-perceived or therapist-assessed somatosensory impairment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Significant cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment \< 20).
2. Severe mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, major depression).
3. Substance abuse or alcoholism.
4. Claustrophobia.
5. Severe aphasia affecting comprehension and clear expression of somatosensory information.
6. Hemineglect.
7. Other muscle or joint problems affecting upper limb function (e.g., contractures, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis ossificans).
8. Concurrent participation in other somatosensory or motor therapy studies.

Where this trial is running

Taipei, Taiwan

• National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yi-jing Huang, Assistant professor

Conditions Chronic Stroke; stroke; somatosensory-motor integration; somatosensory; motor; randomized controlled trial