How thinking affects relearning arm movements after stroke
Official title: The Role of Cognition in the Use of Enhanced Intrinsic Feedback for Motor Learning After Stroke
Run by McGill University · NCT05268861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McGill University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Laval, Quebec) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05268861 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Longitudinal study on stroke recovery and biomarkers
This study looks at how stroke survivors recover over time by tracking their brain and thinking skills along with changes in their blood to see what helps them get better.
-
Emergency Stroke Unit for treating acute strokes
This study is testing a new Emergency Stroke Unit that uses a mobile MRI to see if it can help treat stroke patients faster and improve their recovery.
-
Cognitive job accommodation for stroke patients returning to work
This study tests if special job support can help people who have had a stroke return to work and perform better on the job.
-
Comparing reactive balance training with and without electrical stimulation for stroke recovery
This study is testing whether adding electrical stimulation to balance training can help people who have had a stroke improve their balance better than training without it.
-
Using the Atalante exoskeleton to help stroke patients walk again
This study is testing if using the Atalante exoskeleton can help stroke patients walk better compared to regular therapy.
-
Understanding how vision loss affects driving in virtual reality
This study tests how vision loss from a stroke affects driving skills in a virtual reality setting to help understand the challenges faced by people with visual field defects.
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.