Improving arm control after stroke
Intermuscular Coordination as a Novel Clinical Target for Stroke Neurorehabilitation
This study is testing a new exercise program to help stroke survivors improve their arm movement by using special technology to guide their workouts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 74 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06523335 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to identify patterns of intermuscular coordination that can predict motor impairment in stroke survivors and to test a non-invasive electromyogram-guided exercise designed to improve upper extremity function. It will involve both healthy adults and stroke survivors, with participants undergoing assessments and targeted rehabilitation exercises over several weeks. The study seeks to normalize abnormal muscle coordination patterns to enhance motor recovery post-stroke.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors aged 40-75 who are neurologically stable and have not received certain recent treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with severe spasticity or those who have received botulinum toxin treatment on the impaired arm within the last three months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve arm function and quality of life for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using electromyogram-guided rehabilitation techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for aged matched healthy group * Male or female whose age range between 40 and 75 * no known neurological injuries Exclusion criteria for aged matched healthy group * have an orthopedic disorder involving upper limbs; * have a history of any neurologic disease; * have any history of epilepsy of the potential participants and/or their family members; * are unable to consent; * are pregnant. Inclusion criteria for stroke group * male or female hemiparetic chronic stroke survivors; * age ranging between 40-75 year; * with single unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic middle cerebral artery stroke; * neurologically stable for \>6 months; * have an expectation that current medication will be maintained without changes for at least 3 months. Stable use of anti-spasticity medication (e.g., baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine) is accepted; * without severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth (MA) \<4); * have not received botulinum toxin on the impaired arm within 3 months. Exclusion criteria for stroke group * have an orthopedic disorder involving upper limbs; * cognitive impairment sufficient to interfere with informed consent or successful completion of the protocol (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \< 26); * a history of another neurologic disease; * anesthesia of joint position sense in upper limbs; * are pregnant or have a chance that they might be (self-reported);
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- University of Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jinsook Roh, PhD — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Jinsook Roh, PhD
- Email: jroh@Central.UH.EDU
- Phone: 7137432578
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.