Hand and finger motor recovery using piano-based training after stroke

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.