Improving hand and arm recovery after stroke using electrical stimulation

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 investigates the effectiveness of non-invasive electrical spinal cord stimulation combined with activity-based rehabilitation to enhance hand and arm function in patients who have experienced a chronic ischemic stroke. The researchers aim to activate spinal networks that have lost control due to the stroke, potentially leading to improved voluntary movement in paralyzed muscles. Participants will undergo treatment sessions three times a week over an eight-month period, with assessments to measure functional recovery. The study seeks to address the inadequacies of current rehabilitation methods for upper limb recovery post-stroke.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Radiologically documented single ischemic stroke resulted in hemiplegia/hemiparesis
* At least six months post-stroke
* Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score "moderate" or "moderate-mild" (29-53 inclusive out of 66) at the screening visit
* Medically and neurologically stable, as determined by medical history and documented physical examination
* For women of childbearing potential, a negative over-the-counter pregnancy test at study entry and willingness to practice adequate contraception during the study
* Ability to attend sessions three times per week
* Adequate social support to participate in all intervention and baseline, follow-up assessment sessions throughout eight months.
* Ability to read, comprehend and speak English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hemorrhagic stroke
* History of multiple strokes
* Active implanted stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, cochlear implant, etc.) or baclofen pump
* Aphasia or any other deficit in communication that interferes with reasonable study participation
* Moderate to severe cognitive impairment
* Presence of neglect (inability to perceive or awareness of, or loss of attention to the weaker half of the body)
* Severe spasticity in the upper limb
* Taking baclofen more than 30 mg/day
* Change in baclofen dose within four weeks before enrollment
* Receiving benzodiazepines, dantrolene, tizanidine, anticoagulant, or antiepileptic medication
* Botulinum toxin injection to the upper limb muscles within six months before enrollment
* Severe joint contractures in the affected hand and arm
* History of spontaneous seizure that had occurred one month or longer after the stroke

Where it's running

• University of Washington
  Seattle, Washington, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Chet Moritz, PhD — University of Washington
• Study coordinator: Fatma Inanici
• Email: finanici@uw.edu
• Phone: 206-787-2692

Similar studies

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

• Paired VNS: How the Brain and Pupils Respond in Stroke Patients

  This study tests real-time physiologic responses to paired VNS in adults with chronic motor impairment after ischemic stroke to help tailor dosing.

  Recruiting MGH Institute of Health Professions · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07922200

• NeuroAiD test in mild to moderate ischemic stroke patients

  This study tests whether adding MLC901 (NeuroAiD II) to standard stroke care helps adults who recently had an ischemic stroke recover better than standard care alone.

  Recruiting Phase 4 EVD Pharmacy and Medical Company Limited · Ho Chi Minh City · NCT07828210

• Task-oriented training plus NDT vs high-intensity gait training plus NDT for chronic stroke walking

  In adults with chronic stroke, the study tests whether adding structured, high-repetition task-oriented training or high-intensity gait training to neurodevelopmental treatment improves walking ability more than NDT alone.

  Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Bingoel, Center · NCT07725211

• Remotely Delivered Step Count Rehab After Stroke

  This study tests a remotely guided program that uses step counting and six clinician sessions to see if people who had a stroke can feasibly use it at home.

  Recruiting University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, Minnesota · NCT07649135

• Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke via Telerehabilitation

  This study tests whether watching and then imitating simple daily actions through a home-based telerehabilitation program improves hand function and quality of life for adults with chronic stroke.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Karabuk University · Karabük, Merkez and 1 other locations · NCT07631182

• Unimanual vs. Bimanual Action Observation Therapy for Chronic Stroke Upper-Limb Recovery

  This study tests whether action observation therapy using one hand or both hands improves arm function and daily living in adults with chronic stroke.

  Recruiting Karabuk University · Karabük, Merkez · NCT07631169

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.