Evaluating motor learning in stroke rehabilitation using robotics and neuroimaging
Robotic Evaluations of Motor Learning During Stroke Neurorehabilitation
This study is testing how using robots and brain scans can help understand and improve movement skills in people recovering from a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05106140 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The RELEARN trial is a prospective longitudinal cohort study that recruits stroke survivors and healthy controls to investigate motor learning in the upper extremity during early stroke recovery. By utilizing robotics and neuroimaging, the study aims to understand how motor learning deficits relate to sensory, motor, and cognitive functions, as well as damage in specific brain areas. Participants with stroke will undergo clinical and robotic evaluations at multiple time points, while control participants will have a single evaluation. This approach seeks to provide insights into the neuroplastic mechanisms that facilitate recovery after stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who have experienced a first-time unilateral ischemic stroke with upper limb impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of past undiagnosed strokes, significant cognitive impairments, or contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors by identifying key factors that influence motor learning and recovery.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of robotics and neuroimaging in stroke rehabilitation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in understanding motor learning and recovery.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Stroke Participants: * First time, unilateral ischemic stroke in middle cerebral artery territory, motor and/or sensory tracts and confirmed by clinical examination (including neuroimaging) * 7±6 days post-stroke * Upper limb impairment * \>18 years old * Fugl-Meyer upper extremity score between 30 and 57 * Vision better than 20/50 (corrected) * Able to follow 3-step task commands Inclusion Criteria for Control Participants: * \>18 years old * Good health Exclusion Criteria for Stroke Participants: * History of: 1. past undiagnosed stroke (evident on neuroimaging), 2. neglect (screened with Behavioral Inattention Test), 3. apraxia, or 4. upper extremity orthopedic or muscular issues * Secondary neurologic injury or disease (e.g., Parkinson's) * Contraindication to MRI * Medical or neuropsychiatric conditions that would interfere with study outcomes, or where participation presents a risk to the subject * Enrollment in an interventional trial that supplements standard therapy Exclusion Criteria for Control Participants: • Significant upper limb neurologic or orthopedic conditions
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations
- Carewest Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- University of Calgary - Kinesiology Building — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- Foothills Hospital - Main Building — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
- University of Calgary - Teaching Research and Wellness (TRW) Building — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tyler Cluff, PhD — University of Calgary
- Study coordinator: Rachel Stone, BA
- Email: rnstone@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 403-944-4050
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.