Epidural electrical stimulation to improve movement and reduce pain in stroke patients

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

This study investigates the effects of epidural electrical stimulation (EES) on the cervical spinal cord to activate upper limb muscles in individuals with hemiplegia due to stroke. Participants will undergo a surgical procedure to implant an EES system, followed by a structured rehabilitation program that includes electrical stimulation. Researchers will measure the motor potentials generated by EES and optimize stimulation parameters to enhance arm and hand movement. The study will also assess motor function using standard clinical tests and simple motor tasks.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 20 and 70 years of age
* First-ever clinical manifest stroke
* Right or left hemiparesis
* Scores higher than 7 and lower than 45 on the Fugl-Meyer scale.
* Expected will undergo spinal cord stimulation surgery.
* Able to comply with procedures and follow up.
* Stable medical condition without cardiopulmonary disease or dysautonomia that would contraindicate participation in upper extremity rehabilitation or testing activities.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or breast feeding.
* Have Major depressive disorder.
* Had a mental illness within one year or been treated in the past.
* Have significant cognitive impairment (MMSE\<24) or serious disease that could affect the ability to participate in study activities.
* Cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disease or injury that would prevent full participation in physical therapy intervention.
* Receiving anticoagulant, anti-spasticity or anti-epileptic medications prior to or throughout the duration of the study.
* Unable to read and/or comprehend the consent form.
* Have concerns about this trial and do not sign consent.
* Presence of joint contractures deemed by study clinician/investigator to be too severe to participate in study activities.

Where it's running

• Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital
  Hualien City, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sheng-Tzung Tsai, M.D., Ph.D. — Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Sheng-Tzung Tsai, M.D., Ph.D.
• Email: flydream.tsai@gmail.com
• Phone: +886-3-856-1825

Similar studies

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

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• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

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• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

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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.