Improving arm control after stroke using sensory feedback

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance motor control in stroke survivors by using supplemental kinesthetic feedback through vibrotactile stimulation. Thirty participants will undergo training over 24 days to assess improvements in their contralesional arm's functionality. The study has two main objectives: first, to determine if extended training can improve motor control, and second, to see if these skills can generalize to untrained tasks like reaching for objects. Participants will be evaluated through various cognitive and sensorimotor assessments to establish baseline performance and track progress.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* stroke survivors who can perform our stabilization and grip modulation tasks and who
* had a single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the chronic state of recovery (\> 6 months post-stroke).
* ability to give informed consent and be able to follow two-stage instructions.
* mild-to-moderate motor impairment as assessed using the upper extremity (UE) portion of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FM); i.e., UE-FM score between 28 and 50 (inclusive) out of a possible 66.
* proprioceptive deficit at the elbow in the more involved (contralesional) arm.
* preserved tactile sensation in either the ipsilesional arm and/or thigh.
* a minimal active wrist extension of 5°.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability of subjects to give informed consent or follow two-stage instructions.
* subjects with a bleeding disorder.
* subjects with fixed contractures or a history of tendon transfer in the involved limb.
* subjects with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or any disease that might interfere with neuromuscular function.
* subjects who are currently using or under the influence of aminoglycoside antibiotics, curare-like agents, or other agents that may interfere with neuromuscular function.
* subjects with a history of epilepsy.
* history of other psychiatric co-morbidities (e.g. schizophrenia).
* malignant or benign intra-axial neoplasms.
* concurrent illness limiting the capacity to conform to study requirements.
* Cardiac pacemaker, cardiac arrhythmia or history of significant cardiovascular or respiratory compromise.
* subjects with profound atrophy or excessive weakness of muscles in the target area(s) of testing.
* subjects with a systemic infection.

Where it's running

• Marquette University
  Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Robert A Scheidt, PhD — Marquette University
• Study coordinator: Robert A Scheidt, PhD
• Email: robert.scheidt@marquette.edu
• Phone: (414)288-6124

Similar studies

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

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• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

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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.