Vibrotactile Stimulation for Upper-Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER · Jan 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to help stroke patients regain movement in their arms using special wearable devices that provide gentle vibrations. Researchers want to find out if these vibrotactile stimulation gloves and shirts can be comfortably worn by patients and if they help improve arm function when used alongside regular rehabilitation therapy. Participants will wear these devices for five hours each day while they are receiving treatment in a rehabilitation unit.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be inpatients at a rehabilitation unit who have experienced a stroke on one side of their body within the last two weeks and have some movement in their arms. They should be expected to stay in the rehabilitation unit for one to three weeks. This study is currently looking for people of all genders aged between 18 and 66. Participants in the trial will be divided into two groups: one will receive the vibrotactile stimulation in addition to regular therapy, while the other will receive only the standard therapy. This trial aims to discover if the new stimulation method can make a difference in recovery for stroke patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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