Stroke Motor Recovery for the Hand and Fingers

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO · Sep 17, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on helping people recover movement in their hands and fingers after a stroke. Researchers want to compare two different rehabilitation methods to see which one helps improve finger movements more effectively. One method allows participants to use any strategies they like to reach their movement goals, while the other teaches them specific techniques to improve their movements and avoid using compensatory strategies. The trial also aims to learn who might benefit more from each method and to take brain scans to see how the brain changes with each approach, which may help develop future treatments.

To participate, individuals must be over 18 years old and have had their first stroke at least six months but less than two years ago. They should be able to move their fingers actively. Participants will visit the lab several times for assessments, complete 10 days of piano training, and undergo MRI scans to observe brain activity. This study is not yet recruiting, but it offers a chance to contribute to important research on stroke recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Over 18 years of age
• • Diagnosis of first time unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic
• • Stroke occurrence: \> 6 months and \< 2 years
• • Able to perform active finger movements (Chedoke-McMaster (CM) Impairment Inventory of the Hand, Stage ≥ 3)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of developmental, neurological, or major psychiatric disorders
• • Cognitive deficits (\< 23/30 Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
• • Apraxia (\<2SD mean Waterloo Apraxia test)
• • Neglect (\> 40/100, Sunnybrook Neglect Assessment Procedure)
• • Cerebellar stroke
• • Musculoskeletal injury affecting motor performance
• • Inability to sit in a chair and perform exercises for sustained periods
• • Contraindications to MRI