Improving Independent Multi-joint Arm Control After Stroke

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON · Jul 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to improve arm control for people who have had a stroke. Researchers want to understand if certain patterns in muscle coordination can help predict how much a person's movement is affected after a stroke. They will also test a new exercise program that uses non-invasive technology to help improve how muscles work together in the arms of stroke survivors.

To participate in this study, you must be between 40 and 75 years old and a stroke survivor who has had a specific type of stroke affecting one side of your body. You should have been stable for more than six months and not have severe muscle stiffness. If you are healthy and not affected by any neurological injuries, you can also join the study as a comparison group. Participants can expect to engage in exercises designed to help their arm movement, and the study is currently looking for volunteers. It's important to note that participants should not be pregnant or have other major health issues that could interfere with the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion criteria for aged matched healthy group
• • Male or female whose age range between 40 and 75
• • no known neurological injuries
• • Exclusion criteria for aged matched healthy group
• • have an orthopedic disorder involving upper limbs;
• • have a history of any neurologic disease;
• • have any history of epilepsy of the potential participants and/or their family members;
• • are unable to consent;
• • are pregnant.
• • Inclusion criteria for stroke group
• • male or female hemiparetic chronic stroke survivors;
• • age ranging between 40-75 year;
• • with single unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic middle cerebral artery stroke;
• • neurologically stable for \>6 months;
• • have an expectation that current medication will be maintained without changes for at least 3 months. Stable use of anti-spasticity medication (e.g., baclofen, diazepam, tizanidine) is accepted;
• • without severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth (MA) \<4);
• • have not received botulinum toxin on the impaired arm within 3 months.
• • Exclusion criteria for stroke group
• • have an orthopedic disorder involving upper limbs;
• • cognitive impairment sufficient to interfere with informed consent or successful completion of the protocol (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \< 26);
• • a history of another neurologic disease;
• • anesthesia of joint position sense in upper limbs;
• • are pregnant or have a chance that they might be (self-reported);