EMG-Controlled Game to Retrain Upper Extremity Muscle Activation Patterns Following Stroke

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Nov 16, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people who have had a stroke improve their use of their arms and hands. The researchers want to see if practicing specific tasks and training the muscles can make a difference in how well stroke survivors can move their upper limbs. To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have experienced a stroke more than six months ago, and have moderate difficulty using one arm. Importantly, participants should be able to understand the study and see a computer screen clearly.

If you join the study, you would visit the lab about three times a week for around 2.5 months, totaling 23 visits. During these sessions, you would practice tasks that involve your arm and receive training focused on muscle activity. The study aims to provide a supportive environment to help you regain function in your upper limb while also assessing your progress. It’s important to note that if you are currently undergoing other upper limb rehabilitation or have certain health conditions that affect your arm movement, you may not be eligible to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18+ years old
• • Stroke more than 6 months ago
• • Moderate unilateral upper limb impairment
• • Cognitive ability to participate in the study procedure
• • Ability to see the full computer screen
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Concurrent upper limb rehabilitation
• • Inability to voluntarily contract muscles of at least 2 upper limb muscle groups, prohibiting participation in training
• • Change in spasticity medication or botulinum toxin injection in the upper limb within 3 months prior to or during enrollment
• • Total sensory loss
• • Comorbidity (e.g., orthopaedic or premorbid neurologic condition) that limit upper limb movement and/or participation in the intervention
• • Language barrier or cognitive impairment that precludes providing consent