Home-based retraining of hand function for stroke survivors using a new device
Official title: Assessment of a Physio-neuro Platform (SynPhNe) for Home-based Retraining of Hand Function in Stroke Survivors
Run by Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · NCT02896348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new home device to see if it can help stroke survivors improve their hand function better than traditional therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02896348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals who have experienced a stroke at least 6 months prior and have moderate upper-extremity hemiparesis.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those currently engaged in upper-extremity therapy may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the usability and effectiveness of the SynPhNe device, designed for home use, in improving hand function among chronic stroke survivors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the SynPhNe system at home or receive conventional lab-based therapy. The device, which includes a forearm component and a head cap for monitoring brain activity, aims to provide feedback during motor tasks to enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The study will last up to 12 weeks and involve a total of 22 therapy sessions, combining both home and lab-based exercises.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance hand function recovery for stroke survivors in a convenient home setting.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in home-based rehabilitation approaches, but the specific use of the SynPhNe device is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at least 6 months prior study enrollment ; * Moderate upper-extremity hemiparesis (initial score on the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment between 21 and 55 out of 66) ; * Ability to extend at least 2 fingers in the affected hand 10 degrees at any joint with pain-free passive range of motion at least 50% in all joints below the elbow. Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment resulting to inability to follow instructions (as assessed with the MMSE) and inability to sustain attention for more than 10 minutes; * Current participation in upper-extremity therapy program; * Treatment with Botox injections in the affected arm in the previous 3 months and no planned Botox injections before the end of the study; * Aphasia sufficient to limit comprehension and completion of the treatment protocol; * No more than moderate impairments in paretic UE sensation, passive range of motion, and pain that would limit ability to engage in therapy; * Increased muscle tone as indicated by score of \>/= 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale; * Previous diagnosis of dementia; * Previous diagnosis of neurological diseases other than Stroke; * History of seizures disorder and/or a seizure occuring within the last 6 months; * Other conditions affecting function of the stroke affected upper limb; * Severe pain in the stroke affected upper limb; * Terminal diseases with expected survival \<1 year;
Where it's running
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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paolo Bonato, PhD — Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kathy Piela, PT, DPT
- Email: kpiela@mgb.org
- Phone: 6179526388
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Quadriceps muscle activity and gait in people after stroke with stiff-knee gait vs healthy controls
We will test whether quadriceps muscle activity and walking movement differ between adults with post-stroke stiff-knee gait and healthy adults.
-
Home-based vs. in-clinic upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke
This study tests whether a 20-hour home telerehabilitation program (tele-CPASS) works as well as the same in-clinic CPASS therapy for improving arm and hand function after stroke.
-
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve heart-autonomic function after stroke
This test adds rTMS to usual neurological rehabilitation to see if it improves heart rate variability, autonomic symptoms, arm strength, and quality of life in people at least three months after a stroke.
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Spatial StimelMD for upper-limb recovery after stroke or traumatic brain injury
This trial will test whether adding the Spatial StimelMD device to standard rehabilitation helps adults with upper-limb weakness after stroke or traumatic brain injury improve arm movement.
-
Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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Wrist-worn device to encourage use of the weaker arm after a recent stroke
This trial tests whether a wrist-worn sensor system plus motor and behavioral home coaching helps people 1–6 months after a stroke with moderate arm weakness use their affected arm more than a usual home-exercise program.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.