Robot-assisted Tai Chi for upper-limb recovery after stroke

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 randomized interventional study assigns people with recent unilateral stroke to either robot-assisted Tai Chi arm training or conventional rehabilitation. The robot-assisted group performs guided Tai Chi arm movements with robotic support to improve coordination and strength, while the control group does standard exercises such as stretching and repetitive task practice. Both groups receive 60-minute sessions five days a week for four weeks, with clinical outcomes measured by scales like the Fugl–Meyer Assessment and safety monitoring. The study will also explore neuromuscular mechanisms underlying any observed changes using physiological measures.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT/MRI).
2. Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity score of 8-44.
3. First-ever stroke, with unilateral hemiplegia and time since onset ≤12 months.
4. Aged 40-80 years, regardless of gender.
5. Voluntarily participated and provided written informed consent. Participants meeting all above criteria were enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \<10).
2. Poor sitting balance (\< Grade 2) or inability to maintain seated position for \>60 minutes.
3. Hypertonia (modified Ashworth Scale score \>2 in affected limb).
4. Significant hemiplegic shoulder pain (Visual Analogue Scale \>3).
5. Severe aphasia (Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination score \<3).
6. Severe visual impairment precluding robot-assisted upper limb training.
7. Moderate-to-severe depression (17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score \>17).
8. Pre-existing neuromuscular disorders, active malignancies, or uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiac, renal, hepatic).
9. Concurrent participation in other clinical trials affecting study outcomes. Participants meeting any of the above criteria were excluded.

Where it's running

• Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  Fuzhou, Fujian, China Recruiting
• The Third People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
  Fuzhou, Fujian, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jingsong Wu
• Email: jingsongwu01@163.com
• Phone: 13609501214

Similar studies

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

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• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

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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.