Robotic arm for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke
Official title: Mobile Electromyography (EMG)-Driven Exoneuromusculoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke
Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT03752775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new robotic arm to see if it can help stroke patients recover their arm movement better than regular therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03752775 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals who have experienced a stroke within the last six months and have specific motor function limitations.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently pregnant, have language deficiencies, or do not meet the inclusion criteria will 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 study evaluates a new robotic arm designed for multi-joint coordinated rehabilitation of the upper limb in stroke patients. The mobile exo-neuro-musculo-skeleton integrates features of exoskeletons, soft robotics, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to provide a noninvasive and comfortable rehabilitation experience. Patients with both subacute and chronic strokes will participate, receiving device-assisted therapy compared to conventional rehabilitation methods. The effectiveness of this innovative approach will be assessed through pre- and post-treatment clinical evaluations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this device could significantly improve motor function in stroke patients, enhancing their rehabilitation outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise with robotic-assisted rehabilitation approaches, suggesting potential success for this novel device.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For the subacute groups: * Two weeks after the onset of stroke, however less than 0.5 year * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)\>21 * Able to sit up for at least 1 hour * Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) upper limb \<30 * Modified Ashworth Score (MAS) at the elbow, wrist and fingers \<3 * Detectable EMG on the target driving muscles (i.e., 3 times of the standard deviation above the baseline) For the chronic device assisted group: * At least 0.5 year after the onset of stroke * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)\>21 * Able to sit up for at least 1 hour * Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) upper limb \<30 * Modified Ashworth Score (MAS) at the elbow, wrist and fingers \<3 * Detectable EMG on the target driving muscles (i.e., 3 times of the standard deviation above the baseline) Exclusion Criteria: Subjects will be excluded if they do not meet the above inclusion criteria, or had the following conditions: * Currently pregnant * Dysphasia (language deficiency) * Post-stroke neglect * Pacemaker implantation, * Involved in drug studies, other clinical trials, or concurrent medication/occupational/physical treatments on the upper limb * The overall medical condition not suitable for the training (e.g., severe cardiac problem, unstable blood pressure, etc.).
Where it's running
-
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xiaoling Hu, PhD
- Email: xiaoling.hu@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 34003206
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Reactive Balance Training with Augmented Reality for Older Adults
This study tests whether reactive balance training using augmented reality helps older adults who are at risk of falling, compared with regular treadmill walking.
-
Mental imagery with self-regulation to help daily activities in Parkinson's disease
This study tests whether a six-week program of mental imagery combined with self-regulation can help people with Parkinson’s perform daily activities better than standard learning or exercise.
-
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide for dry eye symptoms in adults
Adults with dry eye disease will try taking Lycium barbarum polysaccharide tablets twice daily for 12 weeks to see if their symptoms and eye tests improve and to check safety.
-
LiFE-SePBT: A Friendly Balance Program to Help Older Adults Stay Steady at Home
We’re testing whether a light, lifestyle-based balance exercise program with small perturbations can improve balance for older adults who are at risk of falling.
-
Three rTMS approaches to lessen insomnia-related pain after exercise-induced muscle soreness
This study tests whether three different rTMS approaches can reduce pain sensitivity and improve recovery in adults with insomnia after inducing muscle soreness from exercise.
-
Insomnia and Sleep Disruption's Effect on Pain Sensitivity and Muscle Soreness After Exercise
This study tests whether poor sleep or insomnia affects how people feel pain and recover from exercise-induced muscle soreness in healthy adults.
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.