Assistance Delivery and Muscle Coordination

Launched by THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA · May 30, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Assistance Delivery and Muscle Coordination," aims to study how different types of assistance can help stroke survivors improve their finger movements. The researchers will work with 15 individuals who have had a stroke and 15 people without a stroke. Participants will perform movements with their index finger using two types of assistance: one that supports the hand and another that helps the muscles work better. The study will record how well participants can move their fingers and how their muscles activate during these movements.

To be eligible for the trial, stroke survivors must be between 18 and 70 years old and must have experienced their first stroke at least six months before joining the study. They should also still have some movement ability in their arm. Participants can expect to take part in various finger movements with and without assistance, while their performance is carefully monitored. It's important to note that individuals with severe medical conditions, pain in their hands or arms, or those unable to give consent will not be able to participate. This study is currently in the recruiting phase, and both men and women are welcome to join.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria for stroke survivors:
• • Age: 18 - 70 years old
• • First-ever unilateral cortical stroke with resultant hemiparesis at least 6 months prior to the experimental testing
• • Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Section 31 - 55
• Exclusion Criteria for both stroke and control:
• • Presence of concurrent severe medical illness
• • Pain in hand or arm with movements
• • Loss of voluntary control of fingers and thumb
• • Inability to provide informed consent
• • Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., fracture) or medical complications (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease).