How thinking affects relearning arm movements after stroke
The Role of Cognition in the Use of Enhanced Intrinsic Feedback for Motor Learning After Stroke
This project tests whether adding an error-augmentation feedback method helps people who had a recent stroke, especially those with thinking or memory problems, relearn upper-arm movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Laval, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05268861 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with a first cortical or subcortical ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the past three years and residual arm weakness will be enrolled and classified for cognitive deficits. Participants will be randomized to motor training with either error augmentation (extra intrinsic feedback) or no additional feedback while performing upper-limb tasks. Motor learning will be measured by improvements during training and retention afterward to capture implicit learning. The study examines whether cognitive impairments limit use of feedback and whether error augmentation can improve learning despite those deficits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with a first cortical or subcortical ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke less than three years ago who are medically stable, no longer receiving treatment, have arm paresis but can voluntarily flex/extend the elbow about 30 degrees, and have normal or corrected vision.
Not a fit: People with severe proprioceptive deficits, marked visuospatial neglect, major other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, uncontrolled depression, or those unable to attend in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit or qualify.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve upper-limb recovery by identifying feedback strategies that boost motor learning for people with different cognitive profiles.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work using error augmentation and intrinsic feedback has shown promising motor-learning gains after stroke, but evidence on its effectiveness specifically in patients with cognitive deficits is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Sustained a first cortical/sub-cortical ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke less than 3 years previously and are medically stable. * Are no longer receiving treatment. * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision. * Have arm paresis (Chedoke-McMaster Arm Scale 2-6/7) and spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≥ 1/4) but can voluntarily flex/extend the elbow to approximately 30 degrees in each direction. Exclusion Criteria: * Other major neurological or musculoskeletal problems that may interfere with task performance. * Marked elbow proprioceptive deficits (\<6/12 Fugl-Meyer UL sensation scale) that may interfere with elbow position perception. * Visuospatial neglect (Line Bisection Test deviation \> 6 mm). * Uncorrected vision. * Depression (≥ 14 Beck Depression Inventory II).
Where this trial is running
Laval, Quebec
- Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital — Laval, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mindy Levin, PhD, PT — McGill University
- Study coordinator: Mindy Levin, PhD, PT
- Email: mindy.levin@mcgill.ca
- Phone: (450) 688-9550
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.