TeleRehabilitation to improve upper limb function in chronic TBI patients

TeleRehab to Restore Upper Limb Function in People With Chronic TBI

NA · Kessler Foundation · NCT06184932

This study is testing if a home exercise program or an exercise video game can help people with long-term arm problems after a serious brain injury improve their movement and quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorKessler Foundation (other)
Locations1 site (West Orange, New Jersey)
Trial IDNCT06184932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance upper limb function and quality of life for individuals with chronic upper limb impairment following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) through telerehabilitation techniques. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two exercise programs: a home-based arm and hand exercise program or an exercise video game program that simulates real-world scenarios. Both programs will consist of 30 sessions over 6 weeks, focusing on functional tasks and daily activities to promote recovery. The findings will inform future large-scale clinical trials aimed at improving rehabilitation strategies for TBI survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic upper limb impairment due to moderate-to-severe TBI, at least 12 months post-injury, and who meet specific functional criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with less severe upper limb impairment or those with a history of neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve upper limb function and overall quality of life for patients with chronic TBI.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using telerehabilitation for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in TBI rehabilitation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Time post injury \> 12 months
* Moderate-to-severe TBI
* One upper limb (UL) is more affected than the other, and the participant reports impaired UL function because of the more affected limb.
* The more affected limb is at the Brunnstrom Stage 3, 4, or 5 of Arm Recovery .
* Meeting the following technology requirements: possessing and using a smartphone, Internet connection at home, and having a TV at home

Exclusion Criteria:

* \< 18 years old at the time of injury
* A history of previous neurological disorder
* A history of substance abuse requiring inpatient treatment
* The more affected limb is at the Brunnstrom Stage 1, 2, 6, or 7 of Arm Recovery.
* Experiencing severe pain during the Brunnstrom Stage evaluation
* Active subluxation of the shoulders
* Living outside of the 50-mile radius of Kessler Foundation (West Orange, NJ)

Where this trial is running

West Orange, New Jersey

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Traumatic Brain Injury, Upper Extremity Dysfunction, Disability Physical, upper limb, telerehabilitation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.