Therapy to improve arm movement after stroke
Official title: Progressive Abduction Loading Therapy: A Phase IIb Stroke Rehabilitation Trial With Longitudinal Tracking
Run by Northwestern University · NCT04118998 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing a new therapy to help people who have had a stroke improve their arm movement so they can reach out better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 86 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04118998 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 who have experienced a severe hemiparetic stroke within the last 90 days.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing disabilities or chronic neurological conditions may 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 aims to reduce a common movement impairment known as 'flexion synergy' that occurs after a stroke, making it difficult for patients to reach outward with their arm. Eighty-six individuals with severe hemiparetic stroke will be recruited upon admission to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation. Participants will receive either experimental or comparison therapy in addition to standard rehabilitation treatments and will be monitored for one year to assess their progress. Evaluations will occur weekly during therapy and bi-monthly after discharge.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve arm mobility and overall rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using targeted rehabilitation approaches for stroke recovery, suggesting potential for success in this novel intervention.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Hemiparesis confined to one side, (CMSA Stage 2 or 3 out of 7) 2. Stroke impacting parenchyma of the middle cerebral artery distribution 3. Within 90 days post-stroke 4. 18 to 85 years old 5. No or Mild-to-moderate Aphasia (NIHSS #9 Best Language. = 0 or 1- Describe picture; No or Mild-to-moderate Aphasia) 6. No or Mild extinction and inattention (NIHSS 11 Extinction and Inattention. = 0 or 1- No abnormality or Inattention to one modality.) 7. Ability to perform a 3-step motor command with the unaffected arm 8. Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Premorbid and persistent disability or motor impairment of the upper extremities 2. Brainstem and/or cerebellar lesion 3. Comorbidity medically contraindicating motor assessments 4. Any other chronic neurological condition 5. Pain or hypersensitivity limiting motor assessments 6. Limb edema limiting study motor assessments
Where it's running
-
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
Wheaton, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
Chicago, Illinois, United States Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael D Ellis, PT, DPT — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Michael D Ellis, PT, DPT
- Email: m-ellis@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 3125034435
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Effectiveness of a new neurorehabilitation technology for stroke recovery
This study is testing a new rehabilitation technology that uses robots and virtual reality to see if it can help stroke patients recover better than regular therapy.
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Music therapy after stroke
This trial tests whether adding music therapy to standard care helps stroke patients sleep better and feel less anxious or depressed while in the hospital.
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Endovascular therapy plus standard care vs standard care alone for distal and medium vessel strokes
In people with acute ischemic stroke due to distal or medium vessel blockages, this study tests whether adding endovascular treatment to the usual medical care helps improve outcomes compared with medical care alone.
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Inter-Limb Transfer after Acute Stroke
This study tests whether practicing motor skills with the affected arm helps improve movement in the other arm after an acute stroke.
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Immersive Virtual Reality in Upper-Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke
This trial tests whether adding immersive virtual reality to standard upper-limb rehabilitation helps stroke patients recover more function and quality of life.
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Anakinra After Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke
This trial tests whether giving two doses of Anakinra after successful endovascular treatment can reduce brain damage and improve outcomes in adults with acute ischemic stroke.
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.