Home-based telerehabilitation to improve arm and hand function after stroke
Reaching the Unreached: Randomized Trial of Home-Based Telerehabilitation for Stroke Without Outpatient Care
This project will try a home-based telerehabilitation program with game-like exercises and wearable sensors for adults in Alberta who had a stroke and have moderate-to-severe arm and hand weakness but did not receive outpatient rehab.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07467785 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized program will enroll 200 stroke survivors across Alberta who were not referred to regular outpatient upper-extremity rehabilitation and randomize them 1:1 to immediate or delayed 8-week home-based telerehabilitation using the Tenzr platform. Participants will use wearable sensors and game-like therapeutic exercises at home while licensed therapists provide remote check-ins and guidance. Outcomes will focus on changes in upper limb function and engagement with the home program. The approach aims to expand access to neurorecovery services for people in small towns and rural areas.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) living at home in Alberta with a confirmed ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, moderate-to-severe upper limb impairment, who are not currently referred to or receiving outpatient upper-extremity rehab and who have internet access and a device for virtual assessments.
Not a fit: People with severe cognitive, communication, or medical comorbidities that prevent safe home exercise, those currently in outpatient rehab, or those without internet or suitable devices are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase access to effective arm and hand rehabilitation at home and improve functional use of the affected limb for people who missed outpatient therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous telerehabilitation and sensor-driven, game-like therapy studies have shown promising improvements in upper limb use and access, though results vary by program and patient group.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Not currently referred to, or participating in, upper extremity outpatient rehabilitation. 2. A confirmed stroke diagnosis (ischemic or hemorrhagic) 3. Have moderate-to-severe upper limb impairment 4. Live at home 5. Have access to internet and appropriate devices to have a virtual assessment with clinicians. 6. ≥ 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: 1. Referred to or currently participating in upper extremity outpatient rehabilitation. 2. Severe cognitive, communication, or medical comorbidities that would preclude safe home-based exercise 3. Don't have access to internet and appropriate devices to have a virtual assessment with clinicians. 4. \< 18 years of age
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica M D'Amico, PhD — University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services
- Study coordinator: Jessica M D'Amico, Scientific Program Lead and Assistant Professor, PhD
- Email: damico1@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 780-203-9478
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.