Combining MyoCI With Memory Reactivation to Improve Motor Recovery After Stroke

Launched by NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · Mar 16, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help people who have had a stroke improve their arm movement. The researchers are combining myoelectric computer interface (MyoCI) training, which uses a special device to help track and improve muscle activity, with a technique called targeted memory reactivation (TMR) that takes advantage of sleep to boost learning. The goal is to see if this combination can lead to better arm motor function over time for those who have had a stroke.

To participate, you need to be at least 21 years old and have had your first stroke at least six months ago, resulting in some difficulty moving your arm. You should be able to move your shoulder and elbow muscles a little. If you have serious vision issues or cannot follow instructions, this study might not be for you. Participants can expect to engage in training sessions lasting about 90 minutes each day, and they'll be closely monitored to see how well this new training method helps improve their arm function. This trial is currently recruiting participants, so if you meet the criteria and are interested, you could contribute to important research in stroke recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age at enrollment is 21 or older
• • Hemiparesis from first ever stroke affecting arm movement at least 6 months prior to screening
• • Severe to moderate motor impairment (FMA-UE of 7-40)
• • At least some voluntary shoulder and elbow muscle activation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to follow instructions of the MyoCI task
• • Visual impairment (such as hemianopia) preventing full view of screen
• • Anesthesia or neglect in the affected arm, or visual hemineglect (score of 2 on the NIH Stroke Scale Extinction and Inattention subtest)
• • Participation in another study on the affected arm within 6 weeks of enrollment or any pharmacological study
• • Inability to understand or follow commands in English due to aphasia or other reason
• • Diffuse or multifocal infarcts in both hemispheres
• • Substantial arm pain preventing participation for 90 minutes a day
• • Spasticity treatment (pharmacological or Botox) within last 3 months
• • Ferromagnetic implants that are MRI incompatible