Rehabilitation for upper limb recovery after stroke using a robot and electrical stimulation
Biomechatronic System Using Voluntary Motor Effort (VME)-Driven Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
This study is testing whether a new rehab method using a robot and electrical stimulation can help people who had a stroke regain better movement in their arms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT02117089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a combined approach using a rehabilitation robot and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve upper limb function in stroke patients. Participants will undergo training that integrates mechanical assistance with electrical stimulation to enhance motor recovery. The study focuses on individuals who have experienced a stroke at least six months prior and have moderate motor impairment in their affected arm. The goal is to assess how this innovative therapy can aid in rehabilitation and improve patient outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with unilateral ischemic brain injury or intracerebral hemorrhage who are at least six months post-stroke and have moderate motor impairment in their affected upper limb.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those who do not have detectable EMG signals from their upper limb muscles may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance upper limb recovery in stroke patients, leading to improved daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of a rehabilitation robot and electrical stimulation is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing motor recovery after stroke.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: The recruited subjects will * have unilateral ischemic brain injury or intracerebral hemorrhage at least 6 months after the onset of single stroke * have moderate level of motor impairment in the affected upper limb, assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (9\<shoulder/elbow\<27; 6\<wrist/hand\<18) * have enough cognition to be able to follow the training protocol as assessed by Mini-metal State Examination (MMSE\>21) * have detectable EMG signals (3 times of the standard deviation above the baseline) from the upper limb muscles.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xiaoling Hu, Ph.D. — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.