Vibrotactile stimulation for stroke rehabilitation

Vibrotactile Stimulation for Neurological Disorders

PHASE1 · University of Colorado, Denver · NCT06244719

This study tests whether wearing special gloves and shirts that provide vibrations can help stroke patients recover better arm function while they do regular therapy.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver (other)
Locations2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06244719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of vibrotactile stimulation through wearable devices to aid upper-extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients. Participants will wear specialized gloves and shirts for five hours daily while receiving conventional therapy in a rehabilitation unit. The study aims to determine the tolerability of these wearables and their effectiveness in improving arm function compared to a control group receiving only conventional therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are inpatients who have experienced a unilateral ischemic stroke within the last two weeks and have specific upper-extremity movement capabilities.

Not a fit: Patients who are on anti-spasticity therapy or have certain medical devices like pacemakers or defibrillators may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery of arm function in stroke patients, leading to improved quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of vibrotactile stimulation in this context is novel, similar approaches in rehabilitation have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Inpatients at rehabilitation units
* Unilateral left or right sided ischemic stroke within the previous 2 weeks
* Have Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer scores between 6 and 58
* Have at least 20 degrees of active shoulder elevation and elbow flexion
* Expected to stay 1-3 weeks in the rehabilitation unit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under anti-spasticity therapy
* Patients that are dependent on pacemakers
* Patients that have defibrillators
* Have lymphedema or AV fistula for dialysis on an arm

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations

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: Stroke

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.