Understanding Upper Limb Issues After Stroke
Deconstructing Post Stroke Hemiparesis for Precision Neurorehabilitation
Providence VA Medical Center · NCT05993221
This study looks at how stroke affects arm movement in veterans and tries to connect these issues to changes in their brain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Providence VA Medical Center (fed) |
| Locations | 1 site (Providence, Rhode Island) |
| Trial ID | NCT05993221 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to analyze the specific deficits in upper extremity function experienced by stroke survivors and link these deficits to brain anatomy and physiology. Veterans will participate in research visits at the Providence VA Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, where they will undergo motor assessments, MRI scans, and transcranial magnetic stimulation over two to three days. The study seeks to provide a detailed understanding of how post-stroke impairments are related to brain structure and function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are veterans who have experienced a unilateral ischemic stroke more than six months ago and have upper extremity motor impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing severe upper extremity difficulties or significant visual or auditory disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more targeted and effective rehabilitation strategies for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in linking motor deficits to brain function, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of a unilateral ischemic stroke occurring \>6 months prior as documented in medical chart * Upper extremity motor impairment as measured by Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment ≤60 * Ability to follow simple instructions in English Exclusion Criteria: * Greater than moderate difficulty using the arm and hand pre-dating the stroke as assessed by the questions adapted from the QuickDASH outcome measure score on any question \>= 3, which measures physical function and symptoms in people with difficulty using the arm and hand. * Visual or auditory disorders resulting in the inability to see or hear, respectively, the stimuli presented as part of research sessions * Inability to maintain a seated position for at least one hour * Standard MRI exclusion (e.g., significant claustrophobia or inability to tolerate loud noises, cardiac pacemaker (unless MRI-safe), implanted device (deep brain stimulation) or metal in the brain, cervical spinal cord, or upper thoracic spinal cord) * Standard (single-pulse) TMS exclusion which include (in addition to those listed for MRI) pregnancy/lactation/planning to become pregnant during the study, seizure disorder, and primary or secondary CNS tumors
Where this trial is running
Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence VA Medical Center — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Hebert, BS
- Email: jennifer.hebert@va.gov
- Phone: 401-273-7100
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.
Conditions: Stroke