Facilitating Neuroplastic Changes of Acute Stroke Survivors

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE · May 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new wearable robot designed to help stroke survivors recover while they are still in bed. The goal is to assist with rehabilitation for patients who have had a stroke, especially those who may not be able to move their limbs at all. The robot will guide patients through exercises to help them regain movement and improve their motor skills, even in the early stages of recovery, which can start as soon as 24 hours after the stroke.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be between the ages of 30 and 85 and have experienced a first-time stroke affecting one side of the body. They should have some difficulty moving their limbs, specifically with their ankles. However, those who are medically unstable or have certain other medical issues will not be able to participate. If enrolled, participants can expect to use the wearable robot during their rehabilitation sessions, which will focus on helping them relearn how to move and use their affected limbs. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to bring new hope for recovery in stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Acute first time unilateral hemispheric stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, 24 hours after admission to 1 month post-stroke at the start of the proposed treatment)
• • Hemiplegia or hemiparesis
• • 0≤Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)\<=2
• • Age 30-85
• • Ankle impairments including stiff calf muscles and/or inadequate dorsiflexion
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Medically not stable
• • Associated acute medical illness that interferes with ability to training and exercise
• • No impairment or very mild ankle impairment of ankle
• • Severe cardiovascular problems that interfere with ability to perform moderate movement exercises
• • Cognitive impairment or aphasia with inability to follow instructions
• • Severe pain in legs
• • Severe ankle contracture greater than 15° plantar flexion (when pushing ankle to dorsiflexion)
• • Pressure ulcer, recent surgical incision or active skin disease with open wounds present below knee