Hand and finger motor recovery using piano-based training after stroke
Discovering the Potential for Motor Recovery in People Living With Stroke
This program will try two types of piano-based hand training to see which helps people who had a stroke 6 months to 2 years ago improve finger movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Toronto, Ontario and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06604143 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multisite randomized trial will enroll 40 adults with a first unilateral stroke between 6 months and 2 years prior who can produce active finger movements. Participants at Toronto and Montreal sites will be randomized to 20 hours (2 hours/day over two weeks) of either quality-focused or goal-focused piano training delivered by music therapists using digital pianos. Clinical motor and sensory assessments and MRI scans will be collected at baseline, two post-training timepoints, and at a 3-month follow-up to measure behavioral and brain changes. The study also aims to identify which patients benefit more from each training approach based on impairment severity and brain imaging.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with a first unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke 6 months to less than 2 years ago who can make active finger movements (Chedoke-McMaster Hand Stage ≥ 3) are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People with major cognitive impairment, apraxia, severe neglect, cerebellar stroke, musculoskeletal injuries affecting the hand, inability to sit for therapy, or contraindications to MRI are unlikely to benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could help people regain finer finger control and improve hand function after stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Previous music-based and task-specific rehabilitation studies have shown benefits for motor recovery after stroke, but directly comparing quality-focused versus goal-focused piano training with concurrent MRI is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Over 18 years of age * Diagnosis of first time unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic * Stroke occurrence: \> 6 months and \< 2 years * Able to perform active finger movements (Chedoke-McMaster (CM) Impairment Inventory of the Hand, Stage ≥ 3) Exclusion Criteria: * History of developmental, neurological, or major psychiatric disorders * Cognitive deficits (\< 23/30 Montreal Cognitive Assessment) * Apraxia (\<2SD mean Waterloo Apraxia test) * Neglect (\> 40/100, Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure) * Cerebellar stroke * Musculoskeletal injury affecting motor performance * Inability to sit in a chair and perform exercises for sustained periods * Contraindications to MRI
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario and 4 other locations
- University of Toronto — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital — Laval, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- University Institute for Physical Impairment Rehabilitation of Montreal (IURDPM) — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Center — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
- Jewish General Hopsital — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joyce L Chen, PhD — University of Toronto: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
- Study coordinator: Joyce L Chen, PhD
- Email: JOYCELYNN.CHEN@UTORONTO.CA
- Phone: 416-946-5394
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.