Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Ages 18 to 85

Hybrid robot and electrical stimulation for stroke rehabilitation

Official title: Assessment Followed by Home-based Hybrid Robot + FES Rehabilitation Post-stroke

Run by University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT04550728 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to help stroke survivors recover by using a robot for stretching along with electrical stimulation to see if it improves their movement and muscle strength.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2021
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT04550728 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-85 who are at least six months post-stroke and can ambulate at least 10 meters with or without assistance.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe pain in the paralyzed lower limb or those with implanted electronic devices 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 clinical trial investigates a novel rehabilitation approach for stroke survivors that combines robot-guided stretching with functional electrical stimulation (FES) to enhance motor recovery. The study aims to improve joint range of motion, reduce spasticity, and increase muscle force output through a hybrid system that integrates robotic training and FES. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ankle robot training alone or in combination with FES, primarily in a home-based setting. The goal is to translate advanced rehabilitation technologies from the lab to everyday use for stroke patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance motor recovery and functional independence for stroke survivors.

How similar studies have gone: While the combination of robotic training and FES is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes for neurological conditions.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-85;
* Able to ambulate at least 10 meters without human assistance, with or without an assistive device
* ≥ 6 months post stroke;
* having a caregiver to assist in training at home.

Exclusion Criteria:

* having expressive and receptive aphasia;
* an inability to follow multi-step commands;
* enrolled in another lower limb rehabilitation program;
* having severe pain in the paralyzed lower-limb;
* \>30º ankle plantar flexion contracture;
* Having implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker, spinal cord, or deep brain stimulator because FES may potentially interfere with their functions.

Where it's running

  • University of Maryland School of Medicine
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.