Robot-assisted training for arm and leg movement after stroke or injury

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 prospective, parallel-group pilot randomized trial compares robotic-assisted rehabilitation using ZEPU-AI devices to standard physiotherapy in adults with upper and/or lower limb motor dysfunction. Participants receive robotic training three times weekly for 12 weeks, alongside conventional care, to see if the robotics provide extra motor function, balance, gait, and daily activity benefits. The study is conducted at the Bangladesh Medical University and focuses on feasibility, safety, and potential effectiveness in a resource-constrained setting. Investigators will monitor adverse device-related events and overall practicality of delivering high-repetition, task-specific training with robotics in routine care. The trial uses four ZEPU platforms (AI2, AI4, AI6 Plus, AI7A) plus standard care to evaluate incremental benefit.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of upper-limb motor dysfunction, with or without concurrent lower-limb impairment, due to one of the following conditions: (a) Stroke, with onset between 2 and 24 months prior to enrollment; (b) Incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA Scale B, C, or D); (c) Traumatic brain injury; or (d) Orthopedic disorders affecting upper and/or lower limb motor function
* Age between 18 and 60 years
* Ability to understand study procedures and follow instructions, and to provide written informed consent (or assent with guardian consent where applicable)
* Body weight and limb anthropometry compatible with ZEPU-AI2, AI4, AI6 Plus, and AI7A systems, as per manufacturer specifications
* Medically stable and cleared by a physician for robotic rehabilitation, with no active infection, uncontrolled cardiac or respiratory disease, severe osteoporosis, uncontrolled epilepsy, or untreated deep vein thrombosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Complete spinal cord injury or profound motor paralysis preventing safe interaction with robotic devices
* Severe cognitive impairment, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score \< 24, that would compromise safe participation
* Severe spasticity of the upper limb, defined as a Modified Ashworth Scale score \> 3
* Unstable fractures, severe fixed joint contractures of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand (e.g., \> 30°), or severe pain limiting safe robotic training
* Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, presence of a pacemaker, or other implanted electronic medical devices incompatible with robotic sensors
* Pregnancy

Where it's running

• Bangladesh Medical University
  Dhaka, Bangladesh Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Md. Abdus Shakoor, Ph.D. — Bangladesh Medical University
• Study coordinator: Md. Abdus Shakoor, Ph.D.
• Email: shakoorma@bmu.ac.bd
• Phone: +8801819410080

Similar studies

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

• ZEPU-AI3 Lower Limb Feedback Training and Evaluation Robot in Rehab

  This pilot trial tests whether adding the ZEPU-AI3 robotic leg training with real-time feedback to standard rehab helps adults with lower limb motor problems from stroke, spinal cord injury, or similar conditions.

  Recruiting Bangladesh Medical University · Dhaka, Dhaka Division · NCT07705906

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• Noninvasive spinal cord stimulation to improve arm function

  This study is testing whether a new type of electrical stimulation can help improve arm function in people with spinal cord injuries or strokes when combined with therapy.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Phase 2/3 University of Alberta · Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations · NCT06596369

• Smart rehabilitation for stroke and spinal cord injury patients

  This study tests whether a smart rehabilitation system using a robot can help stroke and spinal cord injury patients improve their movement and daily activities better than a regular home program.

  Recruiting at 2 sites National Cheng-Kung University Hospital · Tainan and 1 other locations · NCT06215625

• Using Continuous Passive Motion to Prevent Heterotopic Ossification

  This study is trying out a special movement therapy to see if it helps prevent bone growth problems in ICU patients with brain or spinal injuries.

  Recruiting University of Ioannina · Ioannina, Epirus · NCT05906056

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.