Understanding motor recovery after stroke
Defining the Trajectory of Motor Recovery After Stroke
This study is tracking how people recover movement in their arms after a stroke to see what helps them get better and to improve rehabilitation methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT03485040 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Stroke Motor Rehabilitation and Recovery Study (SMaHRT) is a longitudinal observational study that aims to track the natural history of upper extremity motor recovery following ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Participants will be enrolled during their acute hospitalization and will undergo a series of research visits at various intervals post-stroke, including 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, one year, two years, and three years. The study will gather a wide range of data, including demographics, clinical outcomes, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological assessments, to better understand the factors influencing motor recovery and to develop personalized rehabilitation strategies. The ultimate goal is to enhance neurorehabilitation techniques and improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 90 who have upper extremity motor weakness following an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Not a fit: Patients with prior neurological or psychiatric disorders that result in functional disability may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies and better recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on motor recovery after stroke have shown promise, but this specific approach is novel in its comprehensive data collection and longitudinal design.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Age 18 - 90 * Upper extremity motor weakness after ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke as defined by a score of \>=1 on NIH Stroke Scale Arm Motor Drift Questions 5A or 5B * Ability to follow simple commands in English * Score of zero or 1 on the NIH Stroke Scale Level of Consciousness Questions 1a and 1b and a score of zero on the NIH Stroke Scale Level of Consciousness Question 1c. * Stable medical status as determined by primary care team * Inpatient on the MGH stroke neurology service Exclusion Criteria * Prior history of developmental, neurologic, or major psychiatric disorder resulting in functional disability * Prior history of visual or auditory disorders limiting ability to participate in testing * Evidence of an uncontrolled seizure disorder * Patients for whom EEG leads are contraindicated
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David J Lin, MD — Neurologist
- Study coordinator: Julie A DiCarlo, MS
- Email: jdicarlo2@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-726-1311
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.