Improving stroke recovery through error-based learning in arm exercises

Error-enhanced Learning & Recovery in 2 & 3 Dimensions

Not applicable Interventional Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · NCT05180786

This study is testing if helping stroke patients learn from their mistakes during arm exercises can improve their recovery and movement using special technology.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorShirley Ryan AbilityLab Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05180786 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how errors made by stroke patients during upper extremity exercises can lead to improved motor recovery. Participants will engage in customized reaching exercises tailored to their specific error patterns, utilizing advanced robotics and virtual reality technology. The goal is to enhance neuroplasticity and motor re-learning by understanding the relationship between errors and performance improvement. The study aims to lay the groundwork for future randomized controlled trials by testing this innovative approach to rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are at least 8 months post-stroke with hemiparesis and some movement capability in their shoulder and elbow.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral paresis, severe cognitive or sensory deficits, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery outcomes for stroke patients by personalizing rehabilitation exercises.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of error-based learning in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific approach utilizing robotics and personalized error analysis is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18 years of age or older
2. Chronic stroke (8+ months post stroke event) with primary motor cortex involvement
3. Hemiparesis
4. Some degree of both shoulder and elbow movement capability

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Bilateral paresis
2. Severe tactile deficits using the Two-Point Discrimination Test (participant must detect\<11mm)
3. Severe proprioceptive deficits
4. Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth \>3) preventing movement
5. Aphasia, cognitive impairment, or affective dysfunction that would influence the ability to perform the experiment
6. Visual deficits, and hemispatial neglect that would prevent the subjects from seeing the targets.
7. Inability to provide an informed consent
8. severe current medical problems
9. diffuse/multiple lesion sites or multiple stroke events
10. Inability to attain and maintain testing positions
11. Botox injection to the affected upper extremity within the previous 4 months
12. Concurrent participation in upper extremity rehabilitation either as part of a research intervention protocol or a prescribed therapy
13. Participation in previous, similar robotics intervention study
14. Other neurological issues

None of the following special populations will be included in this research study:

* Adults unable to consent
* Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
* Pregnant women
* Prisoners
* Vulnerable Populations

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions StrokeCerebral Vascular Accident/StrokeUpper ExtremityRehabilitationArmRobotics
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.