Substrates for Post-Stroke Arm Rehabilitation

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · May 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Substrates for Post-Stroke Arm Rehabilitation," is exploring how rehabilitation therapies can help people recover their ability to move their arms after a stroke. Many stroke survivors experience difficulty using their arms, which can be a major barrier to their independence and quality of life. The researchers want to understand how different rehabilitation methods, particularly a specific type of occupational therapy called Arm Basis Training, can change the brain pathways involved in arm movement. By studying these changes, they hope to develop better treatments for stroke-related arm disabilities.

To participate in this study, individuals must be aged between 65 and 74 and have experienced a first stroke within the last 3 to 6 months. They should have moderate to severe difficulty moving their arm, as measured by a specific assessment. Participants will be assigned to either the Arm Basis Training program, which involves 30 hours of therapy over 6 weeks, or to receive standard care. Throughout the study, researchers will evaluate participants' arm movement abilities and brain function before and after the therapy. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to provide valuable insights into improving arm rehabilitation after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • first time unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke occurring within the 3-6 months
• • upper extremity motor impairment as measured by the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) Score \<= 44
• • ability to participate in a 6-week intensive upper extremity intervention in English as determined by a licensed occupational therapist.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • bilateral stroke
• • unstable medical status affecting functional status
• • pre-stroke upper extremity injury or conditions that limited use
• • visual or auditory impairment limiting ability to participate in study procedures
• • significant aphasia (NIHSS sub-item 9 \> 1) or cognitive (NIHSS 1a or 1b or
• • 1c \> 1) deficits
• • known or expected inability to maintain follow-up through the study intervention and post- assessment
• • contraindications to MRI
• • contraindications to TMS
• • known history of uncontrolled seizure disorder.