Personalized brain stimulation to improve hand function after stroke
Official title: Towards Real-time Personalized Brain State-dependent TMS to Enhance Poststroke Hand Rehabilitation
Run by University of Iowa · NCT06533176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a personalized brain stimulation technique to see if it can help people recover better hand function after having a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 37 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06533176 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are chronic stroke survivors with residual upper extremity hemiparesis and a Fugl-Meyer score of less than 66.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of neurological diseases other than stroke or those with contraindications to TMS may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project investigates the use of personalized brain state-dependent transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to enhance recovery of hand function in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The approach focuses on delivering TMS during specific brain activity patterns that optimize the activation of the residual corticospinal tract. Participants will undergo two days of testing, including assessments of motor impairment and the feasibility of the personalized TMS intervention. The study aims to establish a relationship between TMS activation and improvements in hand motor function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve hand function in stroke survivors, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of TMS in stroke rehabilitation has been explored, this personalized brain state-dependent approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
-Presence of residual upper extremity hemiparesis, defined as any of the following: Fugl Meyer Upper Extremity Score \<66, Wolf Motor Function Test Score \<70, Affected hand performance on the 9-Hole Peg Test \>= 10% worse than unaffected hand, Affected hand pinch, key, or power grip performance \>= 10% worse than unaffected hand, * Occurrence of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke \>= 6 months before participation * Mini Mental State Exam score \> 24 * Willingness and ability to provide informed consent * No history of neurological disease and/or neurological injury other than stroke * No TMS contraindications, including but not limited to: Cardiac pacemaker, Cochlear implant, Cortical stimulator, Deep brain stimulator, Vagus nerve stimulator, Cervical spine epidural stimulation, Ventriculoperitoneal shunt, Ferromagnetic metallic implants above the level of the seventh cervical vertebra, Seizure in the last 12 months while taking anti-epilepsy medication, History of adverse reactions to TMS or peripheral nerve stimulation, Current, suspected, or planned pregnancy, Any recent changes (within the last month) to medication use \- Presence of residual corticospinal connections innervating an affected upper extremity muscle following stimulation of the lesioned hemisphere (i.e., MEP+), evaluated at rest
Where it's running
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sara J Hussain, PhD
- Email: sara-hussain@uiowa.edu
- Phone: 319-335-1182
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.