Restoring Grasp Ability in Stroke Survivors Through MI-Based Training

Launched by NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY · Mar 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help stroke survivors improve their hand function, particularly in grasping and holding objects. Many stroke survivors struggle with using their hands due to changes in their brain's activity that traditional therapies don't fully address. The study will explore a method called motor imagery training, where participants will mentally practice moving their hands while getting real-time feedback. This training aims to help rewire the brain's patterns to improve actual hand movements.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 80 years old, have had your first stroke at least six months ago, and experience difficulty with opening your hand and grasping objects. If you qualify, you'll be placed in one of two groups: one will receive the new motor imagery training with a hand exoskeleton to assist movement, and the other will do traditional hand exercises. Both groups will be tested before and after the training to see which method works better. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it could lead to better therapies for those facing challenges after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age between 18 - 80 years
• • 2. Stroke-induced hand disability in one hand
• • 3. Experienced first stroke at least 6-month prior
• • 4. Difficulty in opening the hand \& grasping objects (Stage of Hand 4 or 5 on the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA))
• • 5. Ability to distinguish specific shapes and colors on a computer screen
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Inability to provide informed consent
• • 2. Suffering from severe pain in the shoulder or hand
• • 3. Having rigid contractures in the joints of the upper limbs, or orthopedic issues that prevent joint movement
• • 4. Presence of non-stroke neurological diseases
• • 5. Presence of severe cognitive deficits, such as unilateral spatial neglect or aphasia
• • 6. Experience of hand disability due to reasons other than stroke
• • 7. Having other serious medical conditions