EMG Control Assistance Virtual Reality Interface Coupled With Cerebellar-iTBS for Arm Recovery After Stroke (ERICA)

Launched by I.R.C.C.S. FONDAZIONE SANTA LUCIA · Mar 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The EMG Control Assistance Virtual Reality Interface Coupled With Cerebellar-iTBS for Arm Recovery After Stroke (ERICA) trial is studying a new way to help people recover movement in their arms after a stroke. The researchers believe that using a special virtual reality system that responds to muscle activity can help patients practice reaching movements. This system gives real-time feedback by showing a virtual hand that moves based on the patient's muscle patterns, helping them improve their motion over time. Additionally, the trial explores how stimulating a specific part of the brain, called the cerebellum, might further enhance the recovery process.

To participate in this trial, individuals must have experienced their first stroke, be between 18 and 80 years old, and have mild to moderate difficulty moving their arms. It's important that they don't have any issues with thinking, attention, or vision that could interfere with their ability to take part in the study. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in activities using the virtual reality system alongside brain stimulation sessions, all aimed at improving their arm function and overall recovery. This trial has not started recruiting yet, but it holds promise for offering new ways to support arm recovery after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • First ever ischemic stroke with mild to moderate motor impairment of upper limb;
• • Left or right sub-cortical or cortical lesion of the middle cerebral artery;
• • Age\>18, \<80 years;
• • No visuospatial, cognitive, or attention deficits;
• • Fugl-Meyer score\<56.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of seizures;
• • Treatment with Benzodiazepines, Baclofen;
• • Pregnancy status;
• • Intracranial metal implant;
• • Cardiac pace-maker;
• • Orthopedic upper limb limitation;
• • Upper limb pain;
• • Patients with neurological diseases beyond stroke or with neuropsychiatric disorders or with neuropsychological disorders that could potentially compromise informed consent or compliance during the study.