Hand Exoskeleton Training Study

Launched by MEDSTAR HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE · Jan 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Hand Exoskeleton Training Study is researching a special device called HandMATE, which aims to help people who have had a stroke improve their hand movement and strength. The study will look at how well this device works for rehabilitation and whether stroke survivors find it helpful and easy to use. Participants will use the HandMATE both in a clinic and at home, and they will also take part in assessments to measure their hand function.

To join the study, participants need to be at least 21 years old and have had a stroke more than six months ago, confirmed by a medical scan. They should have some ability to move their hand but may have difficulty opening it fully. It's important to note that individuals with certain conditions, like severe sensory loss or ongoing therapy that conflicts with the study, won't be eligible. Participants can expect to learn more about their hand function while using the HandMATE device and contributing to important research that could help many stroke survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age of 21 or older
• • diagnosis of stroke more than 6 months prior confirmed from MRI or CT
• • voluntary hand activity (score of 1 or more, finger extension item, Fugl-Meyer Test)
• • adequate cognitive status
• • Impaired ability to open affected hand
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • hemispatial neglect
• • severe sensory loss (2 or more on the sensory item, NIH Stroke Scale/Score)
• • receiving or planning to receive antispasticity medications during enrollment into the study
• • less than full passive range of motion in finger joints
• • receiving physical or occupational therapy outside of study protocols
• • have excessive pain in any joint of the affected extremity that could limit ability to cooperate with the protocols