Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Passive robots and electrical stimulation to help arm recovery after stroke

Official title: Passive Robots for Stroke Rehabilitation

Run by University of Michigan · NCT07218276 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether combining a low-cost passive robotic device (SepaRRo) with noninvasive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NeuRRoFES) can help stroke survivors improve upper‑limb movement during long-term, home‑friendly training.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment4 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Michigan
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 5, 2025
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2027
Study endsOctober 1, 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT07218276 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18–75 with a single ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, preserved sensation/proprioception and some usable movement in the affected arm who can participate in in‑person visits are ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients with bilateral stroke, complete arm paralysis, severe spasticity or contractures, major cognitive impairment, uncontrolled medical conditions, or contraindications to neuromodulation are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

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

What this trial studies

Many stroke survivors have lasting upper‑extremity weaknesses but high‑end robotic rehab is often too expensive or bulky for routine or home use. This study uses a table‑top semi‑passive device called SepaRRo together with a custom controller that triggers neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NeuRRoFES) during functional tasks. Participants will undergo long‑term training with these tools while researchers measure technical feasibility (adherence, time on task, retention, ability to perform tasks, and user feedback) and clinical signals of change (biomechanical, neurophysiological, and functional measures). The goal is to determine whether this affordable, compliant system could be practical for wider clinical or home rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a lower‑cost, home‑capable option to improve arm movement and daily function for many stroke survivors.

How similar studies have gone: Powered robotic therapy and functional electrical stimulation have shown benefits for upper‑limb recovery after stroke, but combining low‑cost, non‑motorized passive devices with triggered stimulation is relatively novel and less well tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 75 years;
* Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by CT, MRI, or clinical criteria;
* No major deficits of sensation or proprioception;

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral stroke
* Unable to think clearly and remember (Mini-Mental State Exam score \< 22 and miniMOCA \< 8);
* Uncontrolled Diabetes or Hypertension;
* Severe limitations of joint range of motion that will lead to inability of testing
* Severe spasticity and joint contractures that will lead to inability of testing
* Complete paresis with no possible movements
* Severe aphasia
* Any other medical condition that will significantly impact the study results
* Unable to obtain reliable motor evoked potentials
* Are pregnant or are actively trying to conceive
* Have a recent history of repeated fainting spells or syncope.
* Have a recent history of seizure (epilepsy) while on anti-seizure medication
* Have a recent history of skull fracture/head injury
* Have metal implants in the skull
* Have cardiac pacemakers

Where it's running

  • University of Michigan - NeuRRo Lab
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Chandramouli Krishnan, PT, PhD — University of Michigan
  • Study coordinator: Chandramouli Krishnan, PT, PhD
  • Email: mouli@umich.edu
  • Phone: 7349364031

Similar studies

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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.
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.