Robotic exoskeleton to improve arm and hand movement after stroke.
Official title: ExoDoF: Robotic Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Motor Rehabilitation After Stroke
Run by University of Chile · NCT06496529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a robotic exoskeleton that selectively limits certain arm movements can help people within 0–12 weeks after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke regain better upper‑limb control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 81 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chile Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Santiago and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06496529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 0–12 weeks after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with impaired voluntary upper‑limb movement (Fugl‑Meyer ≤50) and at least palpable shoulder abduction and finger extension (MRC ≥1), who can sit for therapy and understand instructions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cognitive impairment (MOCA <18), severe pain or inability to sit for therapy, severe visual impairment, bilateral sensorimotor deficits, prior stroke with lasting upper‑limb deficits, or cerebellar/peduncular damage are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial uses a robotic exoskeleton that selectively restricts degrees of freedom to simplify motor control while patients perform task‑specific training aimed at restoring movement in specific planes. Participants are people early after stroke (0–12 weeks) with measurable upper‑limb weakness and limited voluntary movement. Therapy sessions combine the exoskeleton's movement constraints with repetitive task practice to encourage recovery of normal movement patterns and reduce compensatory strategies. Outcomes focus on changes in upper‑limb motor control and function measured before and after the intervention period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve arm and hand motor recovery beyond spontaneous recovery and reduce reliance on compensatory movements.
How similar studies have gone: Other robotic and constraint‑based upper‑limb therapies have produced modest improvements in motor recovery, but selectively restricting degrees of freedom with an exoskeleton is a relatively novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with zero to twelve weeks of evolution. * Subjects with alterations in active voluntary movement of ES with Fugl Meyer less than or equal to 50 points. Strength of shoulder abduction and finger extension from palpable contraction (1 in Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for muscle strength). Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment that prevents signing the informed consent, following the instructions and understanding the procedures. (MOCA \< 18). * Inability to perform activities sitting for more than 90 minutes or inability to perform activities without severe pain (VAS \> 6) or having limited reach ranges. * Have severe visual impairment that does not allow to carry out the activities associated with the task. * Previous stroke with neurological sequelae in the upper extremity. * Present bilateral sensorimotor alterations. * Damage to the cerebellum/peduncles described in the radiological report or classic signs of cerebellar damage (Upper extremity SARA items of 2 or more)
Where it's running
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Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile
Santiago, Chile Recruiting -
Hospital El Carmen
Santiago, Chile Recruiting -
Hospital San José
Santiago, Chile Recruiting -
Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena
Temuco, Chile Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pablo Burgos, PhD
- Email: pburgos@uchile.cl
- Phone: 19713314101
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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.