Home-based Arm and Hand Exercise Program for Stroke: A Multisite Trial

Launched by CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL · Jan 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a home-based exercise program called the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) designed for people who have had a stroke. The goal is to see if this program can help improve arm and hand movement, daily activities, quality of life, and overall motor control better than traditional occupational therapy. Participants in the trial will be randomly placed into one of two groups: one will follow the home-based GRASP exercise routine, while the other will receive conventional occupational therapy at home. Each group will participate in their program for about 4 to 6 weeks, attending three sessions each week, with evaluations happening before, right after, and three months later to track progress.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be 20 years or older and have some movement ability in the arm or hand affected by their first stroke. They should also be able to follow simple two-step instructions. However, those with other serious arm or neurological conditions, severe pain that limits movement, or unstable health issues may not qualify. Throughout the trial, participants will have interviews and surveys to share their experiences with the home-based program, helping researchers understand its impact from the patient's perspective.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • are aged 20 years or older
• • have upper extremity hemiparesis due to the first-ever stroke
• • have some voluntary movement in the affected UE
• • are able to follow 2-step instructions
• Exclusion criteria:
• • orthopedic conditions affecting the arm/hand or other neurological conditions
• • severe pain that prevents movement in the affected arm and hand
• • unstable medical status