Robotic upper-limb therapy with built-in cognitive exercises for people with Parkinson's, MS, or stroke
Official title: Exploring Cognitive Recovery: the Impact of Sensor-based Robotic Rehabilitation in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders
Run by IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo · NCT07384143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether sensor-based robotic arm training that includes thinking exercises can help adults with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke improve attention, memory, and arm movement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 189 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Messina, Maine) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 11, 2030 |
| Study ends | February 11, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | February 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07384143 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–75 with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke who have upper-limb motor impairment within the FMA-UL 0–52 range and measurable cognitive impairment (MoCA ≤ 20) are the intended candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe cognitive, behavioral, or sensory disorders, or those outside the 18–75 age range, are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
CROSS-ND is a randomized controlled trial comparing sensor-based robotic upper-limb rehabilitation with embedded cognitive tasks to conventional therapy in adults with neurological disorders. Participants are randomly assigned to the robotic/virtual-reality program or to standard therapy and complete 25 sessions over 2–3 months with intensity adapted to performance. Outcomes include disease-specific neuropsychological tests (ACE-R, BRB-N, RBANS) and motor measures (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Nine Hole Peg Test) plus robotic device metrics collected at baseline and immediately after the intervention. The protocol targets simultaneous motor and cognitive training to promote neuroplasticity and functional independence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined robotic and cognitive approach could improve both thinking skills and arm function, helping participants perform daily tasks more independently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous robotic and VR rehabilitation studies have shown motor improvements and some cognitive gains, but integrating sensor-based robots with embedded cognitive tasks is a newer approach that has limited large-scale proof so far.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-75 years; * FMA-UL 0-31: eligible for exoskeletons and robotic devices with high support. (Armeo Power, Amadeo, Motore) * FMA-UL 32-47: eligible for end-effectors with medium support. (Armeo Spring, Hand Tutor, Diego) * FMA-UL 48-52: eligible for sensor-based with low support. (Pablo, Diego, Armeo Senso) * MoCA: ≤ 20 Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive disorders * Behavioral disorders * Sensory disorders
Where it's running
-
IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo
Messina, Maine, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Désirée Latella
- Email: desiree.latella@ircssme.it
- Phone: +393458747117
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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.