Novel Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques in Neurological Rehabilitation

Launched by ISTITUTO AUXOLOGICO ITALIANO · Mar 10, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new treatment approach for people recovering from stroke, experiencing weakness on one side of their body (hemiparesis), or dealing with phantom limb pain (pain felt in a limb that has been amputated). The study focuses on a technique called "mirror-PAS," which uses a combination of brain and sensory stimulation to help improve movement and reduce pain. Participants will take part in two sessions where they will receive different types of stimulation, and researchers will compare the results to see which method works better for enhancing brain recovery and improving movement.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be between 18 and 85 years old and have had a stroke or an amputation affecting one arm. For stroke patients, the stroke must have occurred at least four months before joining the study, and they should have difficulty moving the affected arm. For those with phantom limb pain, they need to have had their limb removed at least two months ago and experience ongoing pain. Throughout the trial, participants can expect a supportive environment where their progress will be closely monitored, and they will contribute to important research that may lead to better treatments for these conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria for stroke patients:
• • age from 18 to 85 years
• • single, unilateral, hemispheric stroke (cortical or sub-cortical areas)
• • stroke confirmed by neuroimaging (CT or MRI)
• • stroke at least 4 months before enrollment
• • hemiparesis of the upper limb resulting from stroke or hemianesthesia clinically documented
• Exclusion criteria for stroke patients:
• • contraindications to TMS (Rossi et all, 2021)
• • other neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS)
• • other orthopedic condition that affected the hand (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Inclusion criteria for PLP patients:
• • age from 18 to 90 years
• • amputation of one part of the upper limb at least 2 months before enrollment
• • presence of stable phantom limb pain at least 2 months prior to enrollment
• Exclusion criteria for PLP patients:
• • contraindications to TMS (Rossi et all, 2021)
• • other neurological, orthopedical or psychiatric conditions